Jamal Crawford Celebrates Magic Johnson’s Birthday with Mixtape of His Iconic Plays

An icon to the city of Angels and a legend for the entire basketball universe, Magic Johnson just turned 65. Several notable people took to their socials to wish the Lakers legend a happy birthday. The list included former Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford as well.

Magic did it all on the floor. A 6’9 point guard who could not only pass and shoot but rebound and defend seven-footers like other big men in the league. So, what better way to commemorate the legend’s birthday than with a mixtape highlighting his plays?

 

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A post shared by Jamal Crawford (@jamalcrawford)

Crawford posted a highlight reel on his Instagram account, which featured plays from Magic’s legendary run with the Showtime Lakers in the 80s. “The one and only Magic Man!!!!” the former NBA star wrote in the caption of the video.

In the video, Magic can be seen making ‘magical’ plays, from his signature no-look passes to driving to the rim with shifty handles. The mesmerizing moves seemed really ahead of his time and the video clearly shows why Earvin Johnson carries the nickname, ‘Magic’.

Magic was the first of his kind. No one had seen a player listed at 6’9 passing and scoring like a small guard. But Johnson did so, night in and night out. 

The five-time NBA champion wasn’t just a great scorer or floor general, but an entertainer as well. The way he approached the game not only birthed the ‘Showtime Lakers’ name but also filled up arenas at home and on the road.

Fans would fly from overseas to catch a glimpse of the player who dazzled everyone with his magic on the court.

Crawford’s ‘The one and only’ caption pays homage to Magic in a unique way. Since his retirement, a lot of tall point guards have been touted to be the ‘next Magic’, but nobody has been able to live up to the hype.