Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, two former Lakers teammates, had a rough start to their friendship. They met as an eleven-year-old at the Cobo Arena in downtown Detroit, where they won their first championship together. However, tension between them began during the 1980-81 season.
Magic Johnson’s first encounter with Abdul-Jabbar didn’t come when he was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. In an interview with the LA Times, Magic Johnson opened up about his relationship with Abdul-Jabbar, saying that if he hit a shot like that 81 more times, he would jump in his arms 81 more times.
Despite their love for saying they never had beef, there were several examples in the book showing that there was. In the first season, Magic was portrayed as an immature, selfish, and vain individual. They didn’t dislike each other, but they weren’t besties. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar disagreed with Magic Johnson’s bold claim about LeBron James taking over the all-time scoring record.
In the premiere of season two, there were questions about the true story behind the Showtime era of the LA Lakers. Their partnership left an indelible mark on the Lakers’ franchise and the game of basketball as a whole.
📹 Why Kareem And Wilt HATED Each Other
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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.
Why did Kareem wear goggles?
Abdul-Jabbar, a former NBA player, began wearing goggles in the 1970s after suffering eye injuries. He credited them with keeping his career on track and preventing him from retiring early. Abdul-Jabbar didn’t care about the appearance of his goggles, as they weren’t a fashion statement for him. He believed that his face was in the area where people were swinging at the ball, and he wouldn’t have retired early without them.
Did Magic ever play with Kareem?
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 Magic and Isiah kiss?
Detroit’s win against the Los Angeles Lakers secured them into the NBA Finals. Celtics star Larry Bird witnessed a touching moment when friends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson kissed before the opening tap. Boston’s dominance in the Eastern Conference ended in 1988, but nearly ended during the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics and Pistons met for Game 5 at Boston Garden, with the series tied at two games each. The Pistons appeared to be on their way to victory.
How many rings did Kareem have without magic?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been victorious in a single championship without the participation of Magic Johnson, including in the 1969-1970 season, the 1971-1972 season, the 1972-1973 season, and the 1973-1974 season.
How long did Magic have Kareem?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a professional basketball player, was associated with Magic Johnson for a period of approximately ten years.
Is Kareem intelligent?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a 19-time NBA All-Star and bestselling author, has a lifelong advocacy work behind him. He believes that knowledge is power and that using education in a meaningful way can lead to great success. Abdul-Jabbar, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, is also a bestselling author, cultural ambassador for the United States, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. He founded the Skyhook Foundation, which helps provide educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities.
His wisdom has been brought to WE Day events across Canada and the United States, most recently in Vancouver. Abdul-Jabbar’s life serves as a testament to the power of education and the importance of using it effectively.
How many rings does Kareem have without Magic?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been victorious in a single championship without the participation of Magic Johnson, including in the 1976, 1975, 1977, and 1978 seasons.
Did Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic get along?
In an article published in All-Star Sports 1980-81 Basketball Issue, Magic, Kareem, and the Lakers remain a happy family after winning the NBA championship. Magic remains smiling, and he and Westhead remain civil. Magic has developed a good rapport with introspective veteran Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The article highlights the Jabbar-Johnson magic in 1980-81, with Magic giving Abdul-Jabbar a bear hug when he tossed in a skyhook at the buzzer.
This unusual gesture was unusual for the Lakers, a dullish club in past seasons. Abdul-Jabbar, entering his 11th NBA season, was taken aback by Magic’s enthusiastic response for the first triumph of an 82-game schedule. The 7-feet-2 Laker center sheepishly hugged Johnson.
Are Magic and Isiah still friends?
The 1988 NBA Finals between the LA Lakers and Detroit Pistons featured a famous brotherly kiss between two players, but their friendship turned into a long feud. The feud began when Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, leading to a misconception about the virus’s transmission. Players avoided him due to fear of infection. The NBA Draft 2024 is now available, and players can explore the draft and become the GM of their favorite team.
📹 Kareem Abdul Jabbar Tells a MAGIC JOHNSON STORY
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Those back to back titles won by the 71 Bucks and 72 Lakers were two of the greatest teams in history. Amazing that they were in the league at the same time.Besides having the two guys who are generally considered the two greatest centers in history . It had up to that time, the two greatest point guards in history in Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. Great time to be a fan.
It’s news to me that Kareem had so much good things to say about Wilt (for one, I didn’t know that most of the women Wilt was with that Kareem met weren’t after the money and were genuinely charmed by his rizz) before their relationship got sour. Wilt is gone years ago but I do hope despite his grievances, Kareem has already forgiven him deep down.
These guys had a SERIOUS beef that lasted for a couple of decades. I’m glad that they could bury the hatchet before Wilt’s untimely death. I think part of it was generational difference. Chamberlain came of age during a more conservative era; Kareem came of age during the Sixties in a time of national turmoil. When Wilt backed Nixon in 1968 and again in 1972, that was the last straw for Kareem, who was borderline Socialist at that time. And this isn’t to even touch on their on-court rivalry. Wilt might have enjoyed a few years on top after Bill Russell retired- but here came Kareem.
The two greatest big men in NBA history didn’t hate each other. Kareem was hanging out with Wilt before he got into the NBA. He was like Wilt’s little brother. When Kareem got into the league, the relationship changed because it became more competitive. They were going at each other, and the young Kareem was getting the better of him. They always had great respect for each other.
11:38 it’s interesting that Kareem drew the line early on politics. You have to remember that Richard Nixon was one of the most popular presidents up until Watergate happened. If you look at his popularity and approval polls from 1969 – 73 you’ll find out that Richard Nixon was one of the most popular presidents. He won his election and especially his re-election by Landslide margins both in the popular vote and electoral college.
Saw them both play in person. Wilt career free throw percentage 51.1 %. Kareem 72.1 career free throw percentage. Not even close. Kareem with the superior talent and will to get better and win. Wilt great showman and fun guy was too busy in the bedroom to put the time in to improve his horrific team crippling free throw shooting.
Man Wilt felt like his greatness was being forgotten. He might have held a high opinion of himself and his accomplishments that being compared to Kareem rubbed him the wrong way. It might have made him want to start devaluing what Kareem did to make himself seem better which was made Kareem mad, which might have started the problem. But I don’t think they would let something as shallow as this affect their long-standing big brother, little brother bond they seems to have. Even though they had their differences, I believe that they both had love for each other
Kareem and Wilt didn’t hate each other.. when I worked at the VA in WLA I use to see them talking together at the Westwood Post Office where they both had PO Boxes several times a week, this was in the late 80s when Kareem was still playing and mid 90s after her retired, two years before Wilt died in 1999 I saw these two giants eating lunch together at Marie Calendar’s restaurant on Wilshire Blvd near Beverly Hills… they use to say the same thing about Wilt and Bill Russell disliking each other but behind closed doors they were good friends, Kareem and Wilt may not have been buddy buddies but they respected each other as men and I’m sure they talked out their issues long before Wilt died.
I understand Wilts dismay. He fought through a tough time to elevate the Black athlete. He made strides where others did not and got no recognition. Now you have a kid that you kind of raised in the realm of professional sports and he’s getting all the praise for your work. Egotistical yes, however that makes a professional athlete. You have to think you’re the best. RIP Wilt!
some may think wilt was just bitter. however his observations are correct. Wilt played the center position much stronger than kareem. Olajuwon brought greatness back to the center position when he ran circles around kareem in 86. I wouldve loved to see Hakeem and Wilt go head to head. He was a better opponent for Wilt.
This was a good vid, other than the whole “tank top” thing. Wilt always wore those, it wasn’t a sign of disrespect. And Kareem had been just as critical of LeBron as Wilt was of him, if not more. And obviously, the reason why he didn’t wear a tank top was because he was nowhere near as fit as Wilt was.
Kareem is the link to compare wilt as the goat vs jordan. An older, post knee injury Wilt was as good or better than a young/prime Kareem. Kareem was still pretty dominant in the league when Jordan was coming into his prime. I’d say a prime Wilt would’ve torn up the league in Jordan’s day just like he did in the 60s.
In the 1980s, the centers were: Kareem M. Malone Olajuwon Sampson Ewing Robinson Gilmore Parrish Walton Dawkins Dougherty Sikma Rollins Those are the garbage centers Kareem had to face. I get it if he wants to talk about Mark Eaton, doesn’t appreciate Manute Bol’s lack of offense, and views Alton Lister as being below average, but get real! That was the best era for NBA centers ever, and Walton and Sampson had injury issues. What would they have done if they had been fully healthy? Except for Dougherty, every one of those guys either won an NBA title or played in a finals series, and Dougherty was only stopped by Jordan’s Bulls.
Much of what wilt said was true. Kareem only led league in rebounding twice, he also played until he would barely get 10 points 4 rebounds. Wilt also acknowledged Kareem was being paid well to stay around…I totally understand Wilts frustration he was truly the greatest, taking two old Warriors teams to game 7, one and two point losses against the loaded Celtics because of Sam Jones & Havlicek…Wilt the Greatest Rebounder ever set most wins per season records twice… The NBA didn’t start hype, recognition and marketing players till 1980.
Okay, that’s not exactly how Kareem’s contract went. Kareem’s agent told each team to make their best offer, that they would not negotiate. The Nets didn’t take this seriously, assuming they could start low and work up. The Bucks DID take it seriously and made Kareem a very competitive offer. The Nets were stunned that Kareem was done and had accepted the Bucks’ offer. When the upped the offer to something competitive (backed by the ABA itself), it was too late. Kareem and his representatives kept to the bargain they’d laid out and accepted the Bucks deal. Imagine what the ABA could have done with Kareem–a New York native–on a team that would eventually acquire Julius Erving. The ABA might have even survived to be a rival league (or conference after a merger), instead of the fire sale it became as the league folded.
The goddamn pimping of these gambling sites r really REALLY affecting my fandom Seriously I used to gamble Can tell u my best win ever Can tell u my worst beat ever 20+yrs ago However In 90s u had to go through the trouble of getting in car Driving Going to bar Sparky aint here yet Cool I will wait This shit nowadays Right from your couch U can bet the $ line on which team is dumber Jets +150 Or Falcons-110 And u have Hart or Foxx Or forehead u can show a movie on Manning officially selling there souls I’m blabbing (cocaine, hell of a drug) it’s just making me wanna not b a fan anymore And my teams up here in Wisconsin r gonna b good soon Bucks don’t count I’m out
Wilt Chamberlain was a very good player in the early 60s averaging 50.1 points and 20.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists a game, but As you see When Kareem joined He only averaged 25 points 13 rebounds and 3 assists Kareem is a true beast and deserved that ring more than Wilt. Jealousy isn’t the way to get stuff you want
Wilt was 10 years older than Kareem. By the time Kareem came along, Wilt had already shifted from scoring to defense. Chamberlain was petty–he wasn’t used to being in second place. Kareem was great. But Wilt was transcendent. Kareem was a better champion, but Wilt was the greatest player who ever played the game.
Wilt is the Goat Kareem is fake fake image take some time a dig a bit mr perfect ain’t so perfect he talk like he is but his skeletons different. Kareem luckily got magic to carry his overstated ass in 79 cause if they didn’t happen his career was over Wilt frost I’ll take Hakeem over Kareem hell Hakeem beat him in the 80’s when LA had a way better team
I have always had issues with tall centers seen among the greatest ever, as whatever talents they may actually have is easily overshadowed by their abilities to reach the ball, including blocks, and the hoop easier than anyone else. A relatively shorter player then actually NEEDS to display where their talents actually come from, as with free throws, long two’s and three pointers, passing/assists, steals…That is why I know for fact MJ is The Goat, and I would also throw in Kobe as the second best if only the Laker’s were not the NBA’s’ commissioners’ and every consecutive’s bias favorite and didn’t cheat for them. I believe Kobe would have still done great, but knowing the Lakers have been cheated-for since Wilt’s era blotches them as a true or honest dynasty. LeBron has an additional mar as a greatest of all time: the guy begged and begged throughout his career for the countries’ top players to join his team. There is a difference to try your best to get a great team together and or than continue to beg every time things may not be working out. This is also why Steph Curry is the better of the two, and it appears only dunkers make the goat list.
Kareem was absolutely robbed in 1980. The media didn’t like kareem because he was a black Muslim and extremely introverted and shy, but he was the most dominant player for the entire 1970s and it wasn’t close. So when Magic, who was charismatic and friendly and charming, had that amazing game in the 1980 finals, of course the media gave him finals MVP. Meanwhile, kareem averaged 34-14 and 5 blocks per game. But magic made basketball fun for kareem again. So I don’t think he was jealous.
I’m not sure KAREEM robbed magic in 1985, after the infamous “memorial day massacre ” KAREEM was on some 30 & 15 type numbers the rest of that series! People slept on worthy as well who was unbelievable in that series, & imo would have been mvp of the 84 finals had we not given that series to boston!