Magic Johnson is widely remembered as one of the NBAās all-time greats, known for his exceptional court vision and leadership. During his illustrious career, he faced off against legendary opponents, including Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest player in league history. Reflecting on his playing days, Los Angeles Lakers legend shared a poignant memory of witnessing the symbolic passing of the torch to a rising NBA star in the late 1990s.
In 1998, Jordan had already cemented his legacy with the Chicago Bulls, leading a dynasty alongside Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen. Their dominance, fueled by relentless determination and an elite competitive mindset, helped define an era in the NBA.
That yearās NBA All-Star Game featured a highly anticipated matchup between Jordan and one of the leagueās most promising young stars: Kobe Bryant. Johnson recalled the moment with emotion, noting it as the point when Jordan unofficially passed the mantle to Bryant, a player many, both past and present, would come to consider a GOAT in his own right.
āKobe respected guys, but it was different [with Jordan]. He idolized Michael in a way that was different from anybody else,ā Lakers legend said in a 2020 interview with the Los Angeles Times. āIt was like, āMan, Iām trying to be like you, but I also want to show you what I got in this All-Star Game too.āā
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers legend.
Johnson reflects on a defining NBA moment
It was the last time Jordan played in his prime. The year was 1998, and the NBA All-Star Game served as a symbolic passing of the torch. Reflecting on that moment, Johnson recalled the emotion in the arena as fans recognized the significance of the occasion.
see also
NBA legend Magic Johnson makes bold comparison between current Knicks and his Lakers era
āSome things you never forget, and that was a moment Iāll never forget, the torch being passed,ā Johnson said of that iconic day in the late ā90s. From that point forward, Bryant emerged as one of the defining figures of the new millennium in the NBA.
The start of a legendary NBA friendship
It wasnāt just about passing the torch. According to Johnson, that moment also marked the beginning of a lasting bond between Jordan and the Lakers legend. āYou could see the beginning of this special relationship that was going to take place and start forming then,ā Johnson recalled.
NBA fans were thrilled to witness the rise of a new star in Bryant, as Jordan prepared to step away from the game. Although the two would face off a few more times before Jordanās retirement, their friendship endured. Years later, when Bryant passed away, Johnson noted how deeply Jordan was affected by the loss.
