Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former Los Angeles Lakers teammates, had contrasting personalities that made forming a friendship difficult. The show portrays that the duo initially held back, but they were not the type to rush into a deep friendship. Magic’s exceptional court vision and passing skills enabled him to set up Abdul-Jabbar for countless highs.
In the second season of the show, the Lakers dominated the NBA with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They captured their first championship in their first season together, and their partnership continued to grow. After unsuccessful attempts to win Kareem over, Magic confronted him and they got into a physical fight. At the end of the game, Kareem scored, bringing the two teams closer.
Magic and Kareem’s relationship extended beyond the court, as they shared a genuine friendship that transcended their professional careers. They often engaged in thoughtful discussions on various topics. Despite the rocky start, they eventually warmed up and took off. Magic Johnson, who was a loud rookie who many thought wouldn’t get along well with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, said that they loved each other.
In a recent update on Kareem Subtack, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suggested that Magic knew him. Johnson said there were minor problems working with Nixon at the outset, but they felt each other out and learned to work well together. Magic was a loud rookie who many thought wouldn’t get along well with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but Johnson was persistent in teaching his teammate that it was okay.
📹 Magic Johnson on teaching Kareem to let loose and not be so uptight | Ep. 57 | CLUB SHAY SHAY
Magic Johnson recalls the moment during his rookie season he and fellow Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar …
Did magic hug kareem?
Abdul Jabbar addressed Magic Johnson in a documentary, warning him not to get excited after every win, as they still had 81 games left to play. He warned Magic not to get excited after every win, as it would waste them by Christmas. Johnson responded by praising Jabbar’s ability to jump in his arms 81 more times if he hit a shot like that. Jabbar and Magic were different individuals, with Magic showing emotions and Jabbar being a calm but strong presence. Despite their initial struggles, they eventually developed trust, leading to the Lakers winning multiple championships.
Who is Magic wife?
Magic Johnson, a former NBA star, has been married to his wife, Cookie Johnson, for over three decades. The couple met at Michigan State University in 1978 and had a relationship for over a decade. They got married in 1991 and had two children. Magic announced his HIV diagnosis and retirement from the NBA on November 7, 1991. He gave Cookie the option to walk away from the relationship, which he recalled as the hardest thing he had ever had to do. However, she remained by his side, crediting her loyalty for saving his life.
Did Magic have a kid with someone else?
Magic, a retired point guard, welcomed his first child, Andre, with ex-girlfriend Melissa Mitchell in 1981. He also has two children with his wife, Earlitha “Cookie” Johnson: son EJ, 32, and daughter Elisa, 29. Magic and Cookie have been open about their parenting responsibilities, like when Magic expressed happiness when son EJ came out as gay. He believes loving children regardless of their identity is the most important aspect of parenting.
How long were Magic and Kareem together?
In his professional career, Magic Johnson spent a decade playing alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Are Magic and Kareem friends now?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a 19-time All-Star, expressed his love for Magic Johnson and suggested that he knew him well after forty years of friendship. Abdul-Jabbar disagreed with Magic Johnson’s claim that he felt sour when his record was broken, stating that he was aware of his competitiveness during his playing days. He clarified that he did not blame Johnson, as Magic was aware of his competitiveness during his playing days. Abdul-Jabbar also mentioned that if someone had broken his record within ten years of setting it, he might have hobbled out of retirement just to add more points on his record.
Did bird and magic like each other?
It is not uncommon for former archrivals in the National Basketball Association (NBA) to form unexpected friendships after the conclusion of their professional careers. They engage in discourse pertaining to their shared Midwestern values, affinity for competition, and the fortuitous friendship that was forged following the conclusion of their respective careers.
What is the Magic and Kareem relationship like?
Magic and Kareem’s friendship extends beyond basketball, fostering a genuine friendship that transcends professional careers. Their mentorship and legacy are invaluable, as Kareem’s guidance and Magic’s infectious energy invigorated the Lakers team. Their partnership broke barriers and contributed to the global growth of basketball, becoming role models for aspiring athletes from all walks of life. Their partnership has a lasting impact on the sport.
Did Magic and Kareem fight each other?
In the 1979-1980 season, tensions between the Lakers and the Clippers escalated after a physical fight between Magic and Kareem. Despite attempts to win over Kareem, they eventually got a one-point victory. Kareem later reconnects with his faith and reconciles with Johnson, bringing the Lakers to a winning streak. Jeff Pearlman’s “Showtime” based on “Winning Time” highlights the coexistence between the two stars, with Abdul-Jabbar expressing neither like nor dislike towards Johnson.
They meshed beautifully as players, but egos were egos, with Abdul-Jabbar resenting Johnson’s contract, friendship with Buss, and beloved reputation. The film highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the complexities of relationships and team dynamics.
Who did Magic kiss?
He observed an unexpected exchange of pleasantries between Magic Johnson and Isaiah Thomas prior to the commencement of the game, which compelled him to observe the final series from his residence.
Does Kareem Abdul-Jabbar like Magic Johnson?
Magic and Kareem’s friendship extends beyond basketball, fostering a genuine friendship that transcends professional careers. Their mentorship and legacy are invaluable, as Kareem’s guidance and Magic’s infectious energy invigorated the Lakers team. Their partnership broke barriers and contributed to the global growth of basketball, becoming role models for aspiring athletes from all walks of life. Their partnership has a lasting impact on the sport.
Did Magic end up with Cook?
The Johnsons, a Hollywood couple, tied the knot in 1991 and had two children. They have been a symbol of resilience, celebrating over three decades of marriage. They are known for their annual yacht excursions, including a six-week trip to Mediterranean destinations in 2023. Despite facing significant life changes, Cookie remains their lifeline. The Johnsons are one of Hollywood’s durability symbols.
📹 Kareem Abdul Jabbar Tells a MAGIC JOHNSON STORY
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Magic Johnson extended Kareem’s career by at least an additional 5 to 6 years. Magic is a key part of the reason that Kareem got that all time points record (for now!) And a part of the reason that Kareem became the oldest Finals MVP in history. They are the greatest NBA duo in history and both are legit GOAT status. Magic got three NBA MVP awards while playing along side Kareem, as Kareem was on the down side of his illustrious career. People need to cut it out-talking about Magic can’t be considered the goat because he played along side Kareem. Stop it!🤣🙄🤦♂️🤣🤣 We will never see another NBA team with two players considered to be legit GOAT ever again.
This is one of the reasons why Magic is the best TEAMMATE of all time. He made his whole squad better, not by beating them down like Jordan did, but by hyping them up. Not to mention his ability to make anybody on the team score like crazy. If you want a team to shine, not just one player, pick Magic at the one.
Magic helped Kareem rediscover the love the game. Before Magic, he was amazing, but he seemed sort of burdened by his role of having to carry the league. After Magic shows up he seemed to enjoy the game again and I think it reminded him of more innocent times back when he was at UCLA. The first step was that role in Airplane where it seemed like he was trying to remake his image somewhat. Magic finished off what Airplane started and helped Kareem to enjoy the game again. He started to look for the high fives and love from Magic. People talk a lot about the level of talent Magic had with the Lakers, but Magic was the best thing that happened to Kareem at that stage of his career.
i am LOVING the Winning Time show. and, even tho Magic’s been sayin’ the show’s got stuff wrong….from what I’ve been hearing from this and other interviews…I think the show’s got the gist of things pretty down pat. i’ve also just finished perusal the Legacy documentary. but, nothing beats the real guys talking freely like in this type of interviews and others like em.
My FAVOURITE Laker/Player of ALL TIME!!! THIS is why Magic – to me – can’t be touched (J Kidd is the closest for me) as the Greatest PG/Playmaker of All Time : “Where you want it??? Which Hand??? At what pace???”….Until he came along…PGs ran the offense and you had to be where they said it was….Magic was the FIRST guy I’ve ever seen who saw the Game through his TEAMMATES’ eyes, and figured out what was the best way to utilize their skillsets!!!….You like to get going to the hoop? Imma get it to you….You like to catch it off the bounce in the midrange? Imma put it in your hands….You like to curl off a pick at the 3-pt line? Be READY!….The Best to EVER do it!!!
And that’s people,, what differs a great player who’s also a leader to a ‘merely’ great player. I believe such traits (leadership) is what separates these top-level greats from the other greats which more often than not shows in their championship pedigree. It ain’t just about individual capability. That’s why guys like Melo or Kd or Kyrie never won it when they were asked to be the leader of their team.
Thats why Magic and kareem worked and Shaq and kobe didnt. Magic was humble enough to realize the Lakers were Kareem’s team and Jabbar was humble enough to give way to Magic in 87. Arguably the best complimentary superstars since Bill Russell and Bob Cousy before them and Jordan and Pippen after them. Jokic and Jamal are threading to this direction.
0:45 Magic finds out Kareem is quiet. Magic is the opposite. 1:05 Kareem tells Magic to shut it down with the energy. 1:21 Magic asks Kareem where he would like Magic to pass the ball to him. Kareem had never had anyone ask him that question. 1:44 Magic gets Kareem his Gatorade and hot dogs to gain his trust. 2:06 Kareem’s game winning skyhook from the free throw line. 2:36 Kareem tells Magic never to be so high after every game. 2:52 Magic fights back. 3:25 Kareem isn’t into the energy first 20 games. Next 20 games he’s looking. He then dunks and gives high five. 3:43