In their historic career, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan only faced each other once in the NBA Finals. It would be the first time that Jordan would win his first ring and subsequently add five more. It took him seven years to win his first ring and 25 years for the Chicago franchise since its establishment in 1966. Very different to Magic Johnson, who won the first championship in his rookie season, and the Lakers who already had multiple titles to their name.

Speaking about the difference, the Los Angeles Lakers legend previously stated that he was very close to playing in the Windy City. “You know, was a coin flip to see if I would play for the Bulls or the Lakers. I’m happy it turned out the way it did.” Appearing on Jennifer Hudson Show last year, he continued, “You know why, Jennifer? Because then it would be no Michael in Chicago and no Magic in LA. See, so it worked out.”

They recently uploaded the entire interview and his second appearance again. Talking about the draft, the Chicago Bulls were last in the Western Conference with a record of 31-51. The Lakers finished 5th qualified for the playoffs but had the New Orleans Jazz draft pick so ended up alongside the Bulls.

It was the coin flip era and former Bulls GM Rod Thorn called heads, but it ended up tails. Consequently, Magic Johnson wore the Purple and Gold for his 13-year-long professional career. Years later, Thorn revealed the amusing part of the story that few knew. “Any time I had ever called anything myself with a coin, I always called tails, ” via NBA.com.

Obviously, there is no guarantee that the Bulls would have won their championship first with Magic. But there is a possibility they could have had a better record than 27-55 in 1983-84. Ultimately, that meant Thorn got to pick Micheal Jordan and turn history pages for good, not just be remembered for a failed coin toss. Looking back at the decision, even Magic was proud that the decision went the way it did.

Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson’s rivalry

Speaking about the coin toss to Jimmy Kimmel in 2022, Johnson said, “But I’m glad that I ended up here [Los Angeles] and playing with Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] and all that.” A year later, Magic Johnson also clarified why his rivalry with Michael Jordan wasn’t as intense when compared to Larry Bird.

“I didn’t get a chance to hate Michael because we played one time (in the NBA Finals).” The 5x NBA Champion said in ‘The Dan Patrick Show’. He continued by explaining how he and Larry Bid had been at each other’s throats since their college days. Plus, the history of the franchise of Lakers and the Celtics added more intensity to the game.

But Michael Jordan did think otherwise. He once revealed, “Well, I understood it to be jealousy. And you know, I think a lot of it came from, ‘Magic Johnson should have been Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan.’ He had the smile, he had everything. He had the marketability, he had championships.”

Before Jordan and the Bulls started their dynasty, Magic Johnson already had five rings to this name. So, it ultimately worked out for both of the revered figures of the NBA. This went to on form a long-lasting bond off the court which they even celebrate today.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”