On his X account, Magic showed his admiration for the sport and its two legends: “One of the greatest moments in my life was being able to fly to Madrid and watch Lionel Messi play against Cristiano Ronaldo live. It’s a privilege to be able to witness two superstars at the top of their game compete!” he said.

It was clearly a memorable experience, seeing what many consider the two greatest players in the history of the world’s most popular sport compete in Spain. This matchup took place during one of the most historic derbies ever, with Barcelona facing Real Madrid.

Magic congratulating Messi’s milestone

As mentioned, Messi reached his 900th career goal during Inter Miami’s defeat to Nashville SC, and Magic seemed to be watching the match, sending a message congratulating the Argentine star.

“What an unbelievable feat! Soccer great Lionel Messi has scored his 900th goal, joining Cristiano Ronaldo as the only two players to accomplish this incredible milestone,” Magic said, recognizing greatness with greatness.

Magic’s history with Messi and Ronaldo

This is not the first time Magic has expressed his admiration for Messi and Ronaldo. In a 2015 interview with ESPN, he compared his rivalry with Larry Bird to that of the two soccer superstars. “I loved competing against Larry. I adored him as much as I hated losing to him. Ronaldo and Messi feel the same way: they hate losing to each other,” Magic explained.

Beyond the admiration, there were rumors in 2016, during the peak of Ronaldo and Messi’s rivalry and careers, that Magic wanted to bring them together at LAFC, the club he co-owns. While that never happened, Messi eventually joined MLS with Inter Miami under David Beckham, and Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Veteran Russell Westbrook has surpassed Hall of Fame guard Magic Johnson for seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard. After Westbrook starred for the Kings in overtime during a 125-114 win against the Houston Rockets, he continued his impressive week for Sacramento.

Westbrook eclipsed Johnson’s 10,141 career assists in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Mavericks. By doing so, he officially moved into seventh place on the NBA’s all-time assist leaders list, surpassing the record of Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.

An assist to Keon Ellis in the first quarter against the Mavericks helped Westbrook climb the league’s assist record books, marking a major milestone in his storied career.

Westbrook’s numbers with the Kings and the next target

Westbrook is averaging 14.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds for the Kings this season. He joined Sacramento as his seventh NBA team via a one-year, $3.6 million veteran’s minimum contract this past offseason.

The next target for Westbrook is Mark Jackson’s career total of 10,334 assists. John Stockton remains the all-time leader with 15,806 assists across his 19-year NBA career.

Westbrook now trails only John Stockton (15,806), followed by Chris Paul (12,552), Jason Kidd (12,091), LeBron James (11,673), Steve Nash (10,335), and Mark Jackson (10,334) on the NBA’s career assists leaderboard.

Westbrook’s career achievements

This latest milestone adds to an already decorated career. Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star, former NBA MVP (2017), and two-time scoring champion. He has also led the league in assists three times and remains the NBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles.

The Lakers icon is an alumnus of this university, so he knows firsthand what it means to defend the Spartans’ colors. Through his official X account, Johnson was very blunt about what’s happening with Jonathan Smith’s team.

“It’s been hard for me to cheer for my Michigan State Football team. They are 0-5 in the Big Ten, the offense is lacking imagination, and the team overall looks uninspired,” Magic stated via @MagicJohnson.

Michigan State started the season with wins over Western Michigan, Boston College, and Youngstown State, raising hopes that they could be contenders. However, a five-game losing streak dashed any playoff aspirations.

Tough times ahead for Michigan State in College Football

The Michigan State Spartans football program is reeling, now sitting at 3-5 overall and winless in conference play after dropping their fifth straight contest. Head Coach Jonathan Smith is squarely on the hot seat as the team has struggled on both sides of the ball during this skid.

Unfortunately for the Spartans, the path to a win doesn’t get easier, with a daunting stretch looming that includes road trips to Minnesota and Iowa, separated by a home date against Penn State. If MSU can’t quickly find a spark, their season—and possibly Smith’s tenure—could collapse entirely against a brutal Big Ten schedule.

Johnson’s time at MSU

Magic Johnson‘s brief but brilliant tenure at Michigan State University remains one of college basketball’s most iconic runs. In just two seasons (1977-1979), the legendary point guard revolutionized the game and permanently elevated the Spartans’ program. Johnson averaged 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game across his MSU career, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Championship in 1979.

That title was sealed in a historic showdown against Larry Bird and Indiana State, a game that delivered the highest-ever television rating for a college basketball contest and launched a decades-long rivalry that defined the sport. Johnson’s departure for the NBA after his sophomore year left an indelible mark on East Lansing.

The storied rivalry between Johnson and Bird began in 1979, when Johnson led his Michigan State Spartans to a 75-64 victory over Larry Bird and the Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA National Championship. That win not only set the stage for a decades-long NBA rivalry but also attracted numerous shoe offers for the 19-year-old Magic.

Johnson admitted he made a colossal mistake while evaluating his rookie shoe deals ahead of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, who selected him first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft, according to the Earn Your Leisure podcast.

“Converse offered me the most money. And so, when you’re Black and you’re broke, you take the most money, right? So I decided to go with Converse,” Johnson said. “But Phil Knight came in and said, ‘I can’t offer you the same amount of money as Converse, but I can give you something called stock.’ And I passed on the stock, not knowing anything about it at 19. You know how much that stock would be worth today, 46 years later? A billion-five.”

By passing on the stock deal, Magic missed out on a potential fortune and an opportunity to get an edge over his rival, Bird. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan signed an unprecedented five-year, $2.5 million deal with Nike in 1984, including a 5% royalty on shoe sales—a contract that would forever change athlete endorsements and the business side of sports.

How early decisions shaped Magic, Bird, and Jordan’s legacies

Magic Johnson’s rookie year represented more than the start of a Hall of Fame career; it was a defining moment in the business of basketball. Choosing the immediate payout from Converse over the long-term stock option from Nike illustrates the tough financial decisions young athletes face. At 19, Magic prioritized what he understood—cash—but the decision had far-reaching historical consequences.

Larry Bird’s trajectory to the NBA offers a different lesson. His rivalry with Magic, ignited in the 1979 NCAA National Championship, shaped not only their NBA careers but also the cultural perception of player legacies. Bird’s strategic approach to his career and endorsements contrasted with Magic’s rookie mistake, showing how off-court decisions can define public image and long-term influence.

Michael Jordan’s rookie endorsement deal with Nike in 1984 further transformed the landscape. His five-year, $2.5 million contract with a 5% royalty on shoe sales set a new standard for athlete earnings and magnified the consequences of Magic and Bird’s early choices. Together, these three legends demonstrate that legacy in the NBA isn’t determined solely on the court; early career decisions and foresight can enhance—or limit—the impact of a legendary career.

“I love LeBron, but no… I love my boy, I love him. But when Michael Jordan took off with that tongue out. Hold up, listen, ’cause a lot of you wasn’t born then. 1991 against my Lakers… That boy is too bad, I’m telling you right now… But LeBron is a bad boy, too. He’s a bad boy, but he’s not Michael,“ Magic Johnson said, via Earn Your Leisure.

Throughout his professional career, Michael Jordan established himself as one of the NBA‘s most formidable players. In his first Finals appearance, he boasted an impressive 31.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. With ten scoring titles and six championships, his on-court prowess was undeniable. Yet, it was his fierce demeanor and relentless trash talk that gave him a psychological edge, enabling him to dominate opponents beyond the stat sheet.

Despite LeBron James’ trailblazing accomplishments, Magic Johnson consistently names Michael Jordan as his GOAT. This preference raises eyebrows, especially since LeBron made history with the Los Angeles Lakers, the same team where Magic earned his legendary status. Even James reached to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, intensifying the debate. Nevertheless, Magic’s unwavering allegiance remains with Jordan.

LeBron James still stands as Michael Jordan’s fiercest rival in the GOAT debate

Although previous generations of NBA players often resist acknowledging LeBron James, his legacy positions him firmly as Michael Jordan’s main competitor in the GOAT debate. Legends like Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and others achieved iconic status, yet their position is not as solid as that of the Lakers veteran, which is the preferred choice for most current league players.

Over his 22-year professional career, LeBron has become a transformative figure in the league, making history with three franchises—Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers—by winning championships with each. He has also claimed four regular-season MVPs and four Finals MVPs, underscoring his remarkable level of play. With a new season coming, the veteran looks towards his fifth championship to further elevate his already legendary status.

There aren’t many better voices to weigh in on the position. During an appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, Miller was asked to name the five greatest point guards ever — a task he took seriously.

“Magic [Johnson], Isiah [Thomas], [John] Stockton, [Jason Kidd],” Miller said. “I didn’t see Oscar Robertson play.” With Miller naming only legends from previous eras, the hosts pushed him on whether he would include anyone from the modern game.

“I was a Steve Nash fan,” Miller admitted. “Who shoots 90-50-40, you know what I’m saying? I was a Steve Nash fan. But you’ve got Steph [Curry]. You gotta put Steph in there. Isiah, Steph, Magic, Stockton, and Kidd.”

Andre Miller’s journey

Miller was selected by Cleveland with the eighth overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft after a standout college career at Utah. From his rookie season, he established himself as a steady and productive point guard, showing a maturity that allowed him to lead the Cavaliers in assists. By his third season in 2002, he reached the peak of his playmaking powers, leading the entire league with 10.9 assists per game.

After his years in Cleveland, Miller became a true journeyman, suiting up for Denver, Philadelphia, and Portland, among others. Despite frequent team changes, his level of play never wavered. He remained a consistent contributor, regularly averaging double figures in points and assists while showcasing remarkable durability and basketball IQ.

In the later stages of his career, Miller embraced the role of veteran leader. His court vision and ability to orchestrate the offense made him a valuable asset for playoff contenders like Washington and San Antonio. Though his scoring numbers declined, his influence in the locker room grew, mentoring younger players and helping teams make postseason pushes.

Andre Miller’s legacy lives up to his nickname, “The Professor.” With more than 16,000 points, over 8,500 assists, and 17 NBA seasons to his name, he retired as one of the most durable and productive point guards in league history. He remains one of the few players ranked among the top 15 all-time in both assists and steals — a testament to his steady brilliance and high basketball IQ.

“I would have to say Michael (Jordan). We haven’t seen anybody do the things that Michael could do. And he was physically so gifted at the same time, smart. And then I think that we have two other Lakers following him right after that, and that would be LeBron (James) and Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar),” Magic Johnson said during an All Access event at Dodger Stadium.

Magic Johnson’s choice surprised Lakers fans with his opinion, given his storied history sharing the court with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, another player widely regarded as one of the all-time greats. Like Michael Jordan, Abdul-Jabbar boasts six NBA championships and is celebrated as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. Together with Johnson, he forged a formidable partnership that showcased extraordinary dominance in the league.

Not only did he include LeBron and Kareem on the list, but also a Boston Celtics legend. “I would say, and then you got to throw Bill Russell in there because 11 championships, you can’t deny that… When a man wins that many World Championship rings, he’s got to be in the GOAT conversation. No question about it,” he added. While his opinion might surprise some, its holistic nature highlights his respect for both current icons like LeBron and legends of the past.

Michael Jordan’s Bulls legacy keeps him dominant in the GOAT debate

While Michael Jordan does not hold the record for the most NBA championships—Bill Russell claims that title—nor does he lead in all-time scoring, with LeBron James achieving that milestone, the Bulls legend stands unwaveringly as a central figure in the GOAT debate. His ability to excel in various aspects of the game made him incredibly difficult to defend, a fact evident to several players, including Magic Johnson, who faced him on the court.

During the All Access event at Dodger Stadium, Magic Johnson shared a memorable anecdote from his storied career, highlighting a defining moment against the Bulls icon. “I still remember that shot that he did against us in ’91, when he went up with the right hand, tongue out, and we went for it. So he watched us go down, switched the ball from his right to the left, tongue went left, and he spun it against the glass and good. Still the greatest shot I’ve ever seen.”

Michael Jordan’s influence and redefinition of excellence have solidified his status as the GOAT for many former players, despite not holding all NBA records. The Bulls legend raised the league’s world recognition and inspired a generation with his all-encompassing dominance. His style has left a lasting impact on players, even as LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell contribute robustly to the ongoing GOAT debate.

Selecting just five names from the franchise’s long list of legends is no easy task. Johnson admitted as much, but pressed forward, beginning his list with two of the most iconic Lakers: Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

“Kobe going to be one with Kareem,” Johnson began. “Nobody is like Kobe. His killer mentality, hitting big shots after big shots, but also loved being a Laker, loved playing in Los Angeles. He represented the city. Let’s clap for Kobe. We miss him”.

He then turned his attention to Abdul-Jabbar, his longtime teammate with whom he won five NBA championships. “Nobody is like Kareem. Oh my goodness, the skyhook. He was so intelligent, basketball IQ off the charts. I just loved playing with Kareem. He’s just awesome,” Johnson continued.

Magic also included Shaquille O’Neal, explaining that he wanted to focus on players he had the chance to watch firsthand. But as he reflected, he realized his top five wouldn’t be complete without Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

“And then when you think about the other guys, you have to remember I didn’t play with Wilt, I didn’t play with Jerry. You have to put them in there. Shaq was amazing. So I better say the guys I was able to see, because it would be wrong if I tried to go back. So I would say Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, and when I think about it, you have to put Wilt and Jerry in there,” he added.

What about LeBron James?

While LeBron James and fellow Lakers great James Worthy didn’t crack his final five, Johnson made sure to acknowledge their place in franchise history. Worthy was his teammate during three championship runs in the 1980s, while LeBron delivered the organization’s most recent title in the 2020 NBA Bubble.

“James Worthy would definitely qualify. But you try to do five Lakers, and it’s impossible. Because you’ve got put LeBron now. So I don’t know how you get to five,” Johnson admitted.

In the end, Johnson concluded that narrowing the Lakers’ long list of legends down to just five players is essentially an impossible task — a testament to the franchise’s unparalleled history.

On what would have been his 47th birthday, the basketball world once again paused to honor Kobe Bryant. The Lakers legend remains one of the most iconic figures in NBA history, and tributes poured in from family, former teammates, and fellow greats, including Johnson.

Johnson, who shared a close bond with Bryant despite never playing alongside him, took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a heartfelt message. “Remembering husband, girl dad, entrepreneur, friend, five-time champion, and one of the greatest to ever lace them up, Kobe Bryant on his birthday.”

His words drew an immediate reaction, generating hundreds of likes within minutes. Over the years, Johnson has never hidden how highly he regarded Bryant. He has openly stated that in his eyes, “He is not only an incredible sports icon, but also the greatest to wear the purple and gold.”

Bryant’s family also joined in the celebration of his life. Vanessa Bryant shared a candid photo with Kobe, writing, “We love and miss you and Gigi so much. Happy birthday, baby.”

Bryant spent all 20 of his NBA seasons with the Lakers, posting career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game across 1,346 appearances. He shot 44.7% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc.

His list of accomplishments includes five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, the 2008 NBA MVP award, and 18 All-Star selections. He also ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list and remains the only player in league history to have two jersey numbers retired by the same franchise—No. 8 and No. 24.

“Luka was one of the best players I’ve ever seen on the court and in practice… I would always call him Luka Magic because he reminded me of a European version of Magic Johnson. This new age, Luka is his own player, but Magic was the older generation of somebody with a smile that was the killer. They’d come out there and destroy you, win games, but with a big smile,” Tyson Chandler said, via 22nd Basketball Without Borders camp.

Many might argue that comparing Luka to Magic is excessive, given Johnson’s five NBA championships and three MVP awards achieved alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Larry Bird. Nonetheless, Doncic mirrors Magic’s ability to handle the ball and deliver awe-inspiring passes. Moreover, both players effortlessly influence every aspect of the game, highlighting their unmistakable similarities.

Luka Doncic’s scoring prowess sets him apart from Magic Johnson. In his seven-year NBA career, the Slovenian star has averaged an impressive 28.6 points per game, overshadowing the Lakers legend’s 19.5 points. This difference does not imply superior talent for Doncic; instead, it highlights their unique specialties. Johnson carved his niche with a staggering 11.2 assists per game, establishing records along the way, while Luka contributes a solid 8.2 assists per game.

The Lakers have decidedly made Luka Doncic their cornerstone player, surrounding him with pivotal teammates such as Marcus Smart for defensive prowess and Deandre Ayton at center to amplify his offensive power. With a noticeable physical transformation and the confidence instilled by head coach JJ Redick, he has reclaimed the spotlight that seemed dim after his departure from the Mavericks.

With a promising career trajectory, the Slovenian star stands poised to etch his name into Lakers history, aiming to forge a legacy comparable to that of the legendary Magic Johnson, not an easy task. Determined to achieve this, he has even proactively refined his leadership style, drawing praise from a teammate at the 2025 EuroBasket.

In a recent interview with ABC7 News Bay Area, Stephen Curry was asked to name a past player he would have liked to share the court with. Rather than choosing just one, he named two illustrious figures. “Allen Iverson, that’s the first name popped in for sure… Probably Magic. You put me, Magic and AI, I think that’d be a solid three-on-three team.”

For many fans, it came as a complete surprise that the Warriors star did not opt for either Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. These legends not only made a significant impact on an entire generation but also entered the GOAT debate and became iconic figures for their respective franchises. However, Curry’s choice is not entirely unreasonable. Both Iverson and Magic Johnson have left indelible marks on NBA history impacting directly the culture of basketball.

Despite being one of the league’s best players, Allen Iverson often does not receive due recognition for his impact. Over 12 years with the Philadelphia 76ers, he consistently maintained an impressive scoring average of 27.2 points, along with contributing 6.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. His exceptional play earned him the MVP award in 2001, and he claimed the scoring title four times.

Magic Johnson is considered one of the best point guards in NBA history. Over his thirteen-year career, he left a significant mark on the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five championships and earning three MVP awards along with three Finals MVP awards. His impact on the franchise’s culture was clear, as he became an icon in the city by forming a dynamic offensive duo with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

While the selection of both legends stirred some controversy among fans, Stephen Curry focused on more than just picking the two best players. The Warriors star selected players he believed could seamlessly complement each other on the court. By harnessing his own scoring prowess alongside Iverson’s disruptive steals and Magic Johnson’s unparalleled creativity, he envisioned a combination that could truly make a game-changing impact.