The debate for the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in basketball continues to rage on, with fans and analysts alike passionately arguing for their favorite player. Recently, NBA legend Magic Johnson weighed in once again, reaffirming his long-held belief that Michael Jordan stands above LeBron James. Johnson’s reasoning, rooted in personal experience and iconic moments, provides a compelling perspective on this never-ending discussion.
Johnson’s latest comments, made at Invest Fest 2025 in Atlanta, echo his previous statements on the topic. He specifically references Jordan’s remarkable performance in the 1991 NBA Finals against Johnson’s own Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting a play that epitomizes Jordan’s unparalleled skill and competitive spirit. This article delves into Johnson’s perspective, the context of the 1991 Finals, and the broader implications of the GOAT debate.
We will explore Magic’s reasoning, focusing on the 1991 NBA Finals and that unforgettable play. Furthermore, we’ll examine the game that cemented Jordan’s legacy and Magic’s other considerations when comparing the two legends. Finally, we will summarize Magic’s stance in the GOAT debate.
Magic Johnson Reaffirms His GOAT Choice
During a Q&A session at Invest Fest 2025, Magic Johnson didn’t shy away from the inevitable GOAT question. Consistent with his past declarations, he unequivocally chose Michael Jordan over LeBron James. Johnson’s argument centered around a specific play from the 1991 NBA Finals, a series that saw Jordan’s Chicago Bulls defeat Johnson’s Lakers.
Johnson vividly described the moment: “I love him, I love my boy. But when Michael Jordan took off with the tongue out…1991 against my Lakers. Right hand, we thought we had him. He looked as we went down, he switched it to the left hand, tongue went left, spun it against the glass, and good. There’s nobody alive that’s just been able to do that. That boy is too bad, I’m telling you right now.” This play, in Johnson’s eyes, encapsulates Jordan’s unmatched athleticism, creativity, and competitive fire.
This wasn’t the first time Magic had mentioned his admiration for the player. As a Lakers legend who faced MJ’s Bulls, it’s safe to say that Magic’s opinion holds substantial weight, given his first-hand experience of Jordan’s greatness. His repeated emphasis on this particular play underscores its significance in his evaluation of Jordan’s career.
The Game That Broke the Lakers’ Back
Game 2 of the 1991 NBA Finals remains a pivotal moment in basketball history. The Lakers, having surprisingly won Game 1 in Chicago, aimed to seize a 2-0 lead before returning to Los Angeles. Michael Jordan, however, had other plans. His dominant performance in Game 2 not only secured a victory for the Bulls but also, according to many, shifted the momentum of the entire series.
Jordan’s stat line from that game is astounding: 33 points on 15-18 shooting from the field. At one point, he made 13 consecutive shots, a testament to his offensive prowess. The most memorable of these was the switch-hands layup that Johnson continues to reference. With just under seven minutes remaining and the Bulls leading 97-71, that basket effectively sealed the Lakers’ fate.
The Bulls ultimately won Game 2 with a score of 107-86. They then proceeded to win the next three games, clinching their first NBA championship in a decisive 4-1 series victory. This marked the beginning of Jordan’s reign, as he and the Bulls went on to win five more titles, solidifying MJ’s place as a basketball icon.
“LeBron is a Bad Boy Too, but He’s Not Michael”
Despite his admiration for LeBron James, Magic Johnson made it clear that he still views Jordan as the superior player. “But LeBron is a bad boy too,” Johnson conceded, adding, “He’s a bad boy, too, but he’s not Michael. Don’t get it twisted. I love LeBron. But uh, uhm…no, no, no.” This statement highlights the respect Johnson has for James’ accomplishments while also underscoring his belief that Jordan possesses a unique quality that sets him apart.
Johnson’s comparison acknowledges James’ undeniable talent and achievements, while maintaining Jordan’s position at the pinnacle of basketball greatness. It’s a nuanced perspective that recognizes the contributions of both players to the sport.
The GOAT debate often sparks heated arguments among fans. Johnson’s comments added fuel to the debate, making people wonder how he could choose the player he beat over a player who beat him.
Magic Also Left LeBron Out of His Lakers Top 5
In a separate appearance at a Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation event, Johnson was further pressed on the MJ versus Bron debate. Beyond reiterating his GOAT selection, he also notably excluded LeBron James from his list of the top five Lakers of all time. This decision raised eyebrows, considering James’ stint with the team and his significant contributions during that time.
“Kobe going to be one with Kareem,” Johnson told the crowd. “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. 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…So I would say Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, and when I think about it, you have to put Wilt and Jerry in there. James Worthy would definitely qualify. But you try to do five Lakers, and it’s impossible.”
Johnson’s choices reflect his deep connection to the Lakers franchise and his appreciation for players who have a storied history with the team. Although LeBron James’ contributions to the Lakers were valuable, they seemingly didn’t outweigh the legacies of players like Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and others in Johnson’s eyes.
Conclusion: Magic’s Enduring Allegiance to MJ
Magic Johnson’s recent comments reaffirm his long-standing belief that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. His reasoning, grounded in personal experience and iconic moments like the 1991 NBA Finals play, offers a compelling perspective on the GOAT debate. While acknowledging LeBron James’ greatness, Johnson maintains that Jordan possesses a unique and unparalleled quality.
Johnson’s choices for the top five Lakers further emphasize his connection to the franchise’s history and his appreciation for players who have deep roots with the team. The GOAT debate will undoubtedly continue, but Magic Johnson’s voice will remain a prominent and influential one in the conversation.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that both Michael Jordan and LeBron James have left an indelible mark on the sport of basketball. While statistics and championships provide quantifiable measures of success, the intangible qualities that define greatness often lie in the realm of personal experience and subjective evaluation. Magic Johnson’s perspective serves as a reminder of the enduring power of iconic moments and the lasting impact of individual players on the collective memory of the game.
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