Magic Johnson is a player many consider to be the greatest point guard of all time. Around six years ago, the $620,000,000-worth Los Angeles Lakers legend sat down with Patrick Bet-David where he spoke about his position as the best. Putting himself aside, he proceeded to name the best player in every position. Rattling out names like Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan, Magic chose Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the five. When asked why not Shaquille O’Neal, he refused to put him over Cap, despite claiming to love the Big Diesel.
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In the interview, the five-time NBA Champion discussed more than just his favorite players. Deep-diving into his career, he spoke a lot about his days as a Los Angeles Laker. A time when he actually played alongside Abdul-Jabbar, winning five NBA Championships together. This inevitably led to the aforementioned discussion, which saw Magic pick his former running mate over the man many consider to be the most dominant player of all time.
Magic Johnson picked Kareem Abdul-Jabbar over Shaquille O’Neal as the greatest center
In 2017, Magic Johnson was asked to name his all-time starting five. Removing himself from the equation, he picked some of the best players he has ever played with or against. One of his more controversial decisions came at the center spot. Choosing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his five, many including the interviewer, Partick Bet-David tried to make a case for Shaquille O’Neal.
However, while Magic did acknowledge Shaq’s greatness, he was having none of it. Elaborating further, he explained just how incredible a player Cap was. Citing that they had to change the game because of him, that was more than enough reason for him to pick Abdul-Jabbar. After all, he won three national championships in a row and displayed a different kind of dominance.
“I like Shaq, but he was no Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This man could dominate you with both hands. When they have to change the game because of you! That’s greatness. And, we have to remember, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won three national championship in a row in college. And, it could have been four if freshman were allowed to play. The man was just so dominant. And, I like Shaq. Shaq is probably the most dominant in terms of his physical presence in the game of basketball. Big personality, and I love Shaq!”
That being said, Shaq was a dominant force as well, and Magic praised him for being one of the best. However, given his experiences with Kareem, he unsurprisingly chose him. Not only was the legendary center a veteran mentor to Johnson when he entered the league, but they also won five championships together. Naturally, he would be the right choice.
Magic also refused to acknowledge Stephen Curry as one of the greatest point guards
Considered by many to be the greatest point guard of all time, Magic Johnson has faced very few contenders for that title. However, in recent times, Stephen Curry has presented himself as a worthy challenger. That being said, Magic, in the same interview six years ago, broke down why he would pick Isiah Thomas over Steph.
Pointing out Chef Curry’s measly resume at the time, Magic believed that the Golden State Warriors star hadn’t accomplished enough to be considered one of the greatest. Fast forward to 2023 and Johnson still doesn’t agree. As of today, Steph does have a better resume than Zeke. Two more championships, two more MVPs, and the better stats on paper. But, that still isn’t enough to impress the Laker legend.
At this point, it seems as though nostalgia is more important for Magic than anything else. Nevertheless, Steph has a few more years left to impress the all-time great. Hopefully, he would have surpassed Magic once all is said and done.
