In a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, legendary basketball player Magic Johnson made an appearance to share some interesting stories and insights. Magic Johnson, who is considered the biggest figure in the history of LA Sports, talked about a range of topics, including his advice for young basketball player Caitlin Clark, his role in inventing the high five, and his thoughts on a hypothetical matchup between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
During the interview, Magic Johnson looked sharp and in great shape, sparking speculation about his secret to maintaining his good looks. When asked about his preferences in the ongoing NBA Finals, Johnson made it clear that he roots for the Los Angeles Lakers, a team he played for and won five titles with. In his own words, he still has “flashbacks with Larry,” referring to the iconic rivalries between the Lakers and the Boston Celtics, adding a touch of nostalgia to the conversation.
The chat took an interesting turn when the topic of museums dedicated to basketball legends came up. Johnson revealed that he was invited to the opening of the Larry Bird Museum in Indiana but couldn’t attend. On a lighter note, he mentioned that he has a room in his house dedicated to sports, featuring all the trophies he has won as a player and an owner of teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Sparks.
The conversation steered towards the WNBA and the comparisons being made between Caitlin Clark, Angel Ree, and Larry Bird and Johnson himself. Magic Johnson acknowledged the talent of these young players but emphasized that they still have a long way to go before becoming the best in the league. Drawing from his own experiences as a rookie, he discussed the rough treatment he received from veteran players and the importance of having experienced players rally behind young talents.
As the chat neared its end, Magic Johnson shared some anecdotes about his career, such as his record-breaking $25 million contract back in the day, which caused some friction within the Lakers team. He also debunked rumors about Isaiah Thomas preventing a highly anticipated one-on-one basketball game between him and Michael Jordan. Although the game never happened, Johnson expressed his excitement at the idea of a match between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in their primes, highlighting the unique styles of both players.
The interview concluded with talk of finding a new coach for the Lakers, with Magic Johnson expressing his preference for Dan Hurley, a highly successful college coach who has won back-to-back NCA championships with Connecticut. Johnson believes that Hurley’s championship background, offensive and defensive strategies, and tough attitude are precisely what the Lakers need to become a more physical and mentally tough team.
As always, Magic Johnson‘s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live was a lively and entertaining celebration of basketball and the world of sports. Fans and viewers eagerly await the next appearance of this legendary figure who continues to inspire both on and off the court.
