Magic Johnson – Showtime (Original Career Documentary)

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is an 80s icon & basketball legend. This documentary examines the career of the greatest Laker and possibly the greatest showman in basketball history, Magic Johnson. Magic won at every level. Elevating his teams into offensive juggernauts with his pinpoint passing and infectious joy for the game. This video takes a look at all of it. From his dominance in college that culminated in a national title, his importance to the league, his rivalry with Larry Bird which elevated the ratings and income of the league to new heights, his 3 mvps, 5 championships, his infamous partying with the rich and famous of LA, and of course his engineering of the Showtime Lakers, the hottest ticket in town during the 80s….relive it all. Every shot, dunk, clutch comeback, finals, award, rival…and fantastic magic passes.

Voice over narration by:
Andrew Scott

for irin Magic Johnson basketball has been Aladdin’s lamp he rubbed it shot it and extracted from it the genie of Fame and Fortune magic makes it look easy a five-time NBA champion when they need a basket magic will take over the conversation of greatest point guard ever starts at number two a three time League MVP we had all the superstars there magic orchestrated one of the greatest dynasties in American [Music] Sports the showtime Lakers they start calling us the showtime Lakers and it was beautiful a 6’9 point guard without an ounce of selfishness in his body again the young man is truly amazing but he was more than just a player he was an icon obviously Hollywood Showtime it’s fitting but also the Laker girls they kind of changed the game for cheerleaders or whatever you want to call them he was the king of Los Angeles in the80s which was a wild wild time then he had Hugh Hefner come and all the ladies was in uh lace and you know the playes worthy front pass mag great bounce pass nobody throws a bounce pass from distance like magic elevating teammates with pinpoint passes and infectious enthusiasm Los Angeles is that seductive combination of wonderlust tensil sunshine and a lot of pleasure for pleasure’s sake around my head and what was iring Johnson’s Vice magic loved two things above all else one of them was winning there’s magic at 5.2 down to 3 seconds the hook shot oh no with eight TS nine of his 12 years he was top three in the MVP voting nine of his 12 years he got his team to the NBA fin pass under to Magic he brought the NBA into a new era he is the best salesman the NBA has ever [Applause] had and you can tell he’s a Class Act this is the 80s yeah the’80s it was fun time does America believe in magic you bet we do basketball was a sport after it was a religion Cooper will inbound the ball Johnson he hits it the Lakers win the Lakers win it at the buzzer on the shot by Magic turvin Magic Johnson [Music] Showtime Johnson comes from East Lancing Michigan Lancing Michigan M six siblings my father worked for General Motors for 30 years he won an award for never missing a day and never being late his father’s work ethic played a large part in the development of Magic’s game he turned teams around immediately at every level in high school he led Lancing Everett to its first ever state championship Irvin Johnson quickly became a Statewide sensation and number 32 bvan Johnson I can’t even describe it but uh when you come up through that door and you can smell that Aroma of the popcorn and you hear the B I love controlling the action being a leader of every team I played on all only thing I wanted to do man was win H beard over to IR watch three guys follow magic everywhere he goes can off [Applause] around still dominating joh on the right wing beard goes all the way under when did Irvin become magic I was uh a sophomore in high school all the uh papers picked us to come in last place again and so we we started off 7 and0 undefeated it was here that Irvin was dubbed magic and I had 39 points and about 18 rebounds and 16 assists Johnson turned his last place high school team into a Jugger tremendous game and without a doubt this is the game that has probably generated more interest than any other game in the state championship probably in the last decade I think the reason why is the fell right out there on the floor number 32 Irving Magic Johnson everybody’s First Team all state player and First Team all America what the hell did you make of a 68 and 1 half point guard magic put on a show leading his high school team to a state championship oh the crowd L it the magic man has been down here today news was spreading that a player unlike any other had arrived in East Ling Michigan Johnson was the most sought-after recruit in the [Music] nation before most had seen him play they heard rumors of a basketball Savant named magic this is Irvin Johnson you have not heard the name is there any questions before I get started one question no um next year I will be uh attending michig State University magic was staying home and playing for Michigan State seeing them run out that’s what I always want to do run out in the green and white and I finally got my chance to do that college basketball was about to experience a revolution you’re going to hear a lot of noise oh what a play it Spectators lined up to witness the unfolding story of a generational Talent a onehanded slamin Johnson with the unique talents of magic empowered him to unleash his full creativity on the cour it is [Applause] [Music] Johson at Michigan State a program that had never won 20 games in a season Johnson with a drive on Hansley a program that hadn’t been to the NCAA tournament in 18 years the name of the gamees to keep the ball in Magic’s hand he led them to the NCAA [Applause] [Music] title magic got away from Tracy James Spectators lined up to witness the unfolding story of a generational Talent at the same time a kid named Larry Bird was Captain uring the national spotlight3 the center of 69 half Senor from Indiana Larry bir once I started playing it’s the same old thing you know he’s at a small school and he ain’t playing against anybody which is fine still dominated I started making these wild passes and back to bird great pass oh what a play in case you’re interested I just released a huge video about Larry Bird a little while this is bird country oh this is bird watching country but this is a rare bird time I laid eyes on Magic Johnson we played on an All-Star team back in college I could not believe what I was seeing in practice a feed by Johnson but I can remember going home and telling my older brother I just seen the best basketball player I’m probably ever going to see in my life I was watching magic play and I go oh my God that’s the best player I’ve ever seen play cuz I didn’t follow basketball he was a sophomore at the time the combination of Johnson and kelzer getting some easy Hoops to Fleck it away Ley and Johnson it’s Johnson back to Gold counter I can’t believe oh my listen to this crowd and look at this pass by johnon these KS now the Michigan State Gardens have HED each other fallen on the floor embracing the love affair of victory that Magic Image was polished and first presented to the world in Johnson’s sophomore year at Michigan State when he led the Spartans to the 1979 National Championship prior prior to that NCA tournament still was the most watched NCA Finals game in n in NCA history magic and bird both exploded onto the mainstream almost simultaneously from Indiana Larry bir the most watched College Championship ever everything was written was Bird versus magic magic versus bird that whole thing and and and it wasn’t Indiana State versus Michigan State anymore it was it was Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson this sets the stage for a Clash of Titans and the dawning of an alltime rivalry number 33 of guard 6’8 in sophomore from laning Michigan Urban Magic Johnson there was a buildup once the NCA tournament started that I think TV NBC and all them were hoping Indiana State and Michigan State would meet for the championship game and that’s exactly what [Applause] happened have to go back inside Bob he is not a God he can play God or play bird inside college basketball play of the Year Larry Bird basketball’s Miracle team and they hadn’t been ranked since that’s right and they went rank before yes that’s right and we we put two guys on it we double team right anytime Larry Bird touches it there’s about three people in this area the CL the two most exciting players to come on to the scene in ages we both had a u a knack for making our teammates better and we love the big moment and trying to uh Excel uh when the pressure was on and he is fou look at Magic so many people talk about how important that game turns out to be the magnitude secondary players are not hitting that perimeter shot oh great play by he sa that was an Aly and March Madness as we know it now really can be traced back to that day to this day this is the most watched NCAA title game in history it’s all over Michigan State University national champions 1979 magic defeated bird and the Spartans were national champs magic not only were your leader on offense I thought you did a great job on Larry Bird In the Zone tonight this one will go down in the annals of Michigan State basketball there is Magic in East I finished what I came to college for which was to win the national championship and uh play against Larry Bird and that round one of the magic bird rivalry went to Johnson but this was just the start of a decade defining back and forth he goes to the Celtics you go to the Lakers and we know this robbery in the 60s we hate Boston and Boston ha the Lakers and I mean that it was on from there and it was just great drama it lived up to all the hype magic entered the NBA draft where the Lakers and the Bulls would flip a coin the first pick the Los Angeles Lakers select irvan Magic Johnson Michigan State 68 200 lb the Lakers won the coin toss and the rest is history Magic’s arrival lifted expectations but few could have imagined just how much things were about to change listen it’s hard to come to a city like Los Angeles and all the pressure was already on me because we won the championship I’m the number one pick so I got to I got to make sure I prove to everybody that I belong in the NBA Johnson turned professional that year playing for the Lakers and rookie coach Paul weste head after all the hype the time had finally come for magic to make his debut I want you to know that this man has a smile that lights up a television screen from here to banger notice that 33 is already given out on the Lakers kareim Abdul Jabar so Johnson was not about to ask for Abdul jabbar’s number settled for 32 that’s not too bad in Los Angeles either Johnson instantly infused the Lakers with much needed energy their way back into this fre intercepted by Magic and here he comes from behind the back of oh the pass here we go making plays on both ends of the Court the rookie put on a show free has it stolen in here and you get the feeling sooner or later show Los Angeles was a city yearning for a champion shot Johnson now playing with just a touch more can move to within one on the Long Johnson the game came down to one shot Bryant’s on him the clock will start when it is touched by someone in Bound wouldn’t you know it Kareem hit the legendary Skyhook Magic Johnson and Kareem Ford sends it to Kareem Skyhook up he hits a sky hook from the free throw line and good Lakers win scoring Kim G jaar has given the Los Angeles Lakers a victory and Magic Johnson is out there celebrating like they just won the NCAA Championship so I go running I jump and I’m ho ch choking them and so he got me to the locker room rookie come here don’t ever do that we have 81 more games to go so everybody looking at me in the locker room like what you going to do rookie so I turned around and said you hit a shot like that 81 more time you know he taller than me I’m going to jump in your arms 81 more time the rest of the season was filled with the same type of magic we’re in the third quarter here at the for sh out crowd magic could pull effortlessly from a bottomless bag of tricks look at the pass what great fun it is to play with magic just when you think you’ve seen magic show you all his tricks he pulls another rabbit out of the Hat magic while the Lakers looked like contenders their coach suffered an injury which would force him to step down Paul westad would assume the head coaching role who is going to win the NBA championship this year and what will be the two teams in the finals if I had to go unload my wallet at Reno legally I’d go with Los Angeles I think that the big guys motivated they’ve got uh a power team and I’m not sure B if Boston is ready yet as a unit Matty Johnson and Larry Bird are the two most important figures in NBA history David Stern’s first year the average salary was $200,000 magic and bird those guys changed the entire trajectory of the NBA and made it what it is today Lakers watch [Applause] out with magic the Lakers became more than just a team they were an event A vibe Johnson showcased the beauty of teamwork and the power of self-belief magic joh that’s rebounding changing the game one pass at a time the Cooper Sensational pass Again by Magic Sensational basketball was a canvas Johnson the artist coaches and teammates were left in awe of Magic’s uncanny Court Vision these are the stages of Magic Johnson’s coming of age magic became the first rookie ever picked to start in an All-Star [Music] game magic the Lakers Cruis to the NBA finals where they faced off against Dr J and the 76ers it’ll be the Philadelphia 76ers against the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA Championship welcome to the land of movie stars sunshine and air that’s clearly visible for the opening of the 1980 championship series [Applause] um your rookie year go to the finals versus Dr Jay the world’s best are prepared to go head-to-head for the sports most prestigious time my idol I’m playing him in the NBA Finals that fast and so we so I said man I love you but I got to take him out I got to take him out the magic to Kareem combo appeared to be too much for Philadelphia uh we just played so well together and we were running no looking Left Right throwing it between my legs behind my back big play by Johnson Abby Jones misses magic possession now he comes up with when I give it to you I did my part I got him up out their seats see I got him up out their seats that’s yeah where Showtime came in you know it was a show within the game and they start calling us the showtime Lakers the series went back to Philly where Dr J had an alltime iconic moment he came down the right side and he jumped and he started walking the finger roll yeah inir in the air in the [Applause] air I said man this dude is too much man see he was doing that George St before Michael [Applause] yeah returning to La the Lakers took a three games to two lead it’s two1 Mixon breaks fre and mag L of for rebounding Magic Johnson turned a laidback show me culture into a college crowd that lived and died with each Laker game it was a love affair they called it Showtime just when it looked as if the Lakers were destined to become Champions Kareem went down with an injury Kareem turns underneath puts it up and scores on a finger roll five but Kareem’s hurt Kareem turned an ankle Kareem is hurt I don’t think Kareem is going to be able to go anymore right now Kareem hobbled to the end of game five but he would be sidelined for game six back in Philadelphia well in game five kareim twisted his ankle so up 3-2 going back to Philly so nobody knew if he was going to play or not so we get to the airport and I saw the faces of everybody and I knew right then that Kareem wasn’t going to play you got the ultimate challenge you have you he in the finals it’s rookie season you got Kareem down hurt and you got magic going to play center I get to the airport everybody head is down cuz Kareem can’t play I said so what Kareem can’t play we still going to win right so by the time we landed in Philadelphia I had told Coach West head I said look let me play center I played center in high school and a little bit in college I can play center with a world title hanging in the balance rookie Magic Johnson would be called upon to play center and replace the legend Kareem live at the so out crowd at the Spectrum in Philadelphia it is game six the 76ers and the Lakers in other words you know you can talk about Kareem in or out it doesn’t make any difference he’s not here they’ve got to beat this Laker team that they put on the floor now putting magic John at Center is going to create some problems what kind of problems we’ll have to wait and see Johnson didn’t shrink from the pressure instead he seized the moment oh man it was so much fun playing against doc he was the first D walking in air what does it mean as far as the Lakers are concerned tonight a young man by the name of Magic Johnson is going to start at Center I’m ready and uh I know my teammates are too are you going to play center on offense in this game yeah I will be changing from Center the forward on certain play Kim went down uh you’re a rookie 20 years old yeah 20 years old in the NBA Finals the game that still might be the finest game of his career came as a rookie in the finals no Kareem in game six it goes Dre Dawkins of the Sixers he plays center and goes 42 points 15 rebounds seven assists in game six with an injured Abdul Jabar back home in La magic played all five positions it is 54 56ers 310 magic comes right back on the penetration and it’s a two-point game the atmosphere was electric a move Spectrum crowd now starting come alive they might have thought it was going to be easy too the 76ers fans thought the Lakers were doomed without kareim magic had other ideas on the interception on the lazy pass it is that rookie again magic dishes wils this time he played a game high 47 minutes he scored a game high 42 points he grabbed a game high 15 rebounds on the shot clock whip it inside the magic 38 points 14 for 2 three for the field 10 for 10 for the free throw line 14 rebounds six assist comes a 20-year old rookie down the middle and led the Lakers to the NBA championship in the final game of the playoffs playing Center in place of the injured Abdul Jabar magic scored 42 points to beat Philadelphia and win the NBA title there it is it’s over and the most valuable player is Magic Johnson magic and the Lakers had done it Johnson was named the most valuable player as a rookie 425 and 7 42 15 and 7 you know what that means what that is 42 points 15 rebounds and seven assists he starts at Center plays forward and guard and leads the Los Angeles Lakers to a world championship 123 107 over Philadelphia without Kareem Abdul you’re able to beat them Finals MVP is a rookie it’s the only first and only rookie to ever win Finals MVP magic what do you have that makes you perform like this in these Championship Games well I don’t know just I love to win and uh I guess that’s the thing I go in think we can win any game that’s probably my greatest individual game ever in the finals uh and I had just won the NCA tournament just the just what 6 seven months ago and then turn around and we win our first ba Championship so it was amazing year for me to the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers the new world champions of basketball and I’m proud to do it and here you go Jerry bus it’s yours and it’s permanent you keep [Applause] it after winning the title Lakers owner Jerry bus and Magic Johnson became close my first year I made 400,000 oh 400,000 but once we won okay he tore up the contract and wanted to give me$ 25 million I remember the first time magic when he made a million dollars we were going around high five at each other as the 80s bloomed the culture was changing new music movies and sports icons were taking over the nation can the Lakers come back and repeat that title Chief among them was Magic Johnson Magic Johnson has attained the world at the age of 22 whose million dooll smile Charmed the public like few before it’s the joy the smile the laugh his magic smile beams down from Billboards all over Los Angeles magic was the ideal Spokes and shopping at quality deer that’s to shoot that’s M to do what he was born to do he is Magic Johnson Enterprises he didn’t smoke or drink he did however have one Vice I [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Focus first on winning we were able to accomplish that so I concentrated on that first then after I made my name then I said okay it’s Club time [Applause] now magic began enjoying his new status as the the toast of La when they were coming into the box and he had 10 20 of them and look urvan which one you want and I was like oh okay it’s like that celebration continues here in the Laker locker room Magic’s days were spent thrilling Laker fans with one spectacular play after another it is it for three for three the buzz Magic’s nights were spent as the star in a that he filled with stars it was one of those star studded Hollywood Premier constantly surrounded by beautiful women and then he said I’m going to take you to the Playboy Mansion magic even frequented the Playboy Mansion listen oo oh man do running with Dr bus different and H Hefner and the play Playmates and all that that’s a different life magic was putting up a triple double every night one way or another so yeah I had fun there wils brings the ball into magic dribble drive down the middle beat the puts it up scores it underneath with a scoop shot magic can do it all unconventional Brilliance it would never be nothing like that ever again yeah yeah nothing hey that was before cell phon I come from a small town Lany Michigan so now I go to Hollywood there’s two people there’s Irvin Johnson and there’s Magic Johnson from Hollywood Here Comes magic Magic’s ability to run the offense helped change Kareem into a more versatile player [Applause] oh my the basketball World believed it might be witnessing the creation of a new Dynasty when Magic Johnson returned after a mid-season knee injury but the team had trouble readjusting and was eliminated by the Houston Rockets after magic suffered a midseason knee injury the Lakers were defeated in round one of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets talks of a dynasty were put on hold loses in round one to Moses guy also very high on our list despite averaging 17 points 14 rebounds seven assists tension with head coach Paul westad resulted in a demand for magic there was a little tension matter of fact I’ll be lying if I said there was a little tension there was a lot it was big and a couple of months ago he became disenchanted with his coach said so the coach was fired and suddenly Magic Johnson was the Wicked one I’m I haven’t been happy I’m not happy I just you know want to get out the situation happy go-lucky magic and serious Irvin Johnson both had a problem recently they were blamed for getting Laker coach Paul westad fired really I have no comment right now until after I meet with Dr bus then you know you can have all the questions you want okay whether Johnson actually got West head fired is a moot point much of the public and some of the press thought he did there are multiple accounts of this story but we know weste head was fired magic stayed and a new coach would assume control of the Lakers Pat Riley will stay with the Lakers as coach the new coach was Pat Riley a future Legend and icon of the sport and the rest as they say is basketball history the Lakers offense would go through a change and down there shooting Kurt silk Norm J J becoming faster and more precise I think magic is truly position could dominate at any spot it wasn’t long before the high flying up and down the court style earned a Nick Johnson magic to Kareem stradling the three-point line showtime and he slam dunks to be foued by older boy was at a sensational pass by a magic Magic’s smile had returned 105 prer stter 62 games last year a backup roll now not afraid to put it up give it go perfect execution Showtime was fitting as the Lakers were capable of scoring in record time here’s the beauty of Magic’s game time another one a dazzling display of Magic’s Wizardry and the Lakers Collective Talent Johnson takes it down the L himself up and he’s fou they starts calling us the showtime Lakers and it was beautiful yeah I mean obviously Hollywood Showtime it’s fitting but also the Laker girls they kind of changed the game magic the to run some clock eight now seven on the D CL give [Music] go oh what a shot that’s incredible that’s remarkable absolutely unbelievable he did that but he really didn’t because it’s not possible I mean I know we all saw it but he did not do that for the human bang can and Dr bus created all of that and so he he said you know what I want to show to yes to be the the team but we got to create entertainment I’m in the entertainment entertainment capital of the world so I want more happening during the game so that’s when he had the young ladies come out and start dancing the showtime Lakers were firing on all cylinders for nine playoff games Laker opponents have wilted under the most intense pressure defense and fast break offense in recent memory they were so good in fact that they didn’t lose a single game the entirety of the playoffs becoming the first team to ever sweep their way into the finals a rematch of 1980 set against the dramatic backdrop of these teams frustrations in 198 W in the finals it was a rematch against Dr J oh great pass on the Alley from Magic to Kareem Dr J was his typical extraordinary self Julius Irving put on a memorable performance this afternoon the Lakers had a chance to win the title in six and as both teams head back out to the West Coast the best of seven series is all tied this is a world championship Jam you know you it’s a different feeling now I mean uh we came and did just about what we wanted magic was razor sharp in the form the series has been filled with dazzling performance by a remarkable array of Stars once filled with groans of dismay The Forum became a sea of yellow another capacity crowd 17,505 the Rich and Famous were now common place in the Forum and welcome to game six of the 1982 NBA world championship series number Lakers lead three games to two they were relentless on the open floor Jes is on [Applause] Magic Lakers have open up with the Vengeance and Billy Cunningham wants a timeout it’s six to nothing I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t show you this moment from Daryl [Applause] Dawkins the Lakers pulled away late down here is Kareem the ball to Magic underneath the Kareem slam [Applause] dunk what also sets magic apart is that he was the undeniable face of the showtime lak two minutes going by and the Lakers have matched the biggest lead of the game and this is a quick gam the they have that’s so devastating on The Fast Break perhaps no other team has ever pushed the ball with such speed and precision as the showtime [Music] Lakers moving the ball effortlessly down the court Magic Johnson was named finals MVP yet again the Lakers are about to become champions for the second time in 3 years if history calls this 12-2 playoff team one of the best of all time ERS it’s [Applause] [Music] [Applause] over against Dr J in the finals averages 16 11 and 8 for another Finals MVP and there’s a scene inside the Laker dressing room at has done it was not just a push button coach at all was he Bill he did a great job he did just amount he gave these guys just the right amount of magic was now a two-time champion and the Lakers potential dynasty was alive and kicking he’s now 22 years old and a two-time champion and a two-time Finals MVP he averages for the playoffs 17 points 11 rebounds nine assists three [Music] steals magic was a bigger star than it just means so much you can walk around with your head proud the whole next year everywhere you go the world champion Los Angeles Lakers coming to time it makes you feel good he was in countless commercials I’m talking about the incredible Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers Johnson talks about his life on the road before he got married 40 to 50 women in the hotel after every game looking for player he enjoyed his celebrity status with as many people as he could this is the’80s yeah the’80s it was fun time everybody having sex unprotected sex I Googled how many women did Magic Johnson and it just came back the city Landing [Applause] Michigan like I said women have different fantasies I want to be with two three at a time you know one time I had six at one time that’s just six women Six Women now was that their fantasy or your fantasy that was both probably most mostly mine when magic wasn’t clapping cheeks he was busy running the greatest show in sports the showtime Lakers already on two championship teams he has admirers all around the league look how quickly he brings it up took him 3 seconds to get it over the line magic was coming into his prime as he floats it in making one ridiculous play after the next magic swish Magic Johnson sizzling there you know who he has number 30 for the night and Kareem was still his dominant self even if aging Jabar was a terror Jabar he gets the inside track on Cummings and the foul Showtime 11-point lead what a show both teams are putting on today the dynamic duo of magic and Kareem made short work of the regular season in the Western Conference Finals one of the important matchups was Fire and Ice the hemisphere arena in San Antonio Texas for the Los Angeles Lakers now are being introduced GRE it appeared to all that the Lakers would cruise to a repeat goggles come free swing to Magic my favorite Magic Johnson stat and that is that you have the highest assist per game average in NBA history another great pass by Magic another great catch by wels we’ve said great so many times but it’s not a redundancy they’re doing it every time down the Flor in the playoffs magic orchestrated the Lakers offense to Perfection with a 31 lead in the Western Conference Final and our most valuable player is Irvin Magic Johnson who did it all here this afternoon he orchestrated this Victory 31 points eight rebounds 16 assists for the third time magic and the Lakers would face off with the 76ers in the finals Mar the third time in the last four years they’ve met for the world championship Sixers were favored and ready they’ lost to the Lakers in two of the last three finals and nothing but a championship would satisfy their fans this was a great rematch with one major difference the Sixers had signed free agent Moses Malone and he was Unstoppable 76ers were a much better team worthy against Malone passes deflected going to be stolen I think by the doctor yes he’s got it he car count it was time to put up or shut up Irving iconic way back the baby to sleep and slam dunk and yet another Laker [Applause] turnover magic against the hand czeon both clubs are out of foul magic holds it up underneath he get to Nixon Nixon scores Magic Johnson’s Bullet Pass we’re tied at 110 magic made a great pass Magic’s got a triple double he’s had it for an hour by the way the Philadelphia 76ers Maurice Cheeks quiet knows they’re going to be the world champions folks the Lakers were swept and Dr J got his ring and this time Philly has Moses and Philly sweeps him but magic does average 19 points eight rebounds 13 assists the Lakers had a vice grip on the Western Conference magic and Kareem had become the perfect Duo gigantic block to Magic PR on PR down m McGee score that might be a highlight Zone pass what an unbelievable pass look at that rambus it is eye for me it’s like I w’t be perfect in all the time the rebound stolen away by Magic oh my goodness apologies to deck enberg but bullet passes one another great Magic Johnson pass complete Court awareness off to the main man Magic Johnson great pass to Cooper all with that special magic flare magic now has 14 assist we’re going overboard on this magic can do it something he really is cruising to first place again the playoffs were just a warmup for the main event IAM dunp passet count foul Misha boy is that a guy that knows what to do in winning Abdul Jabar in 1984 Kareem was approaching wil Chamberlain’s alltime scoring record on April 5th the moment arriv this was the season Kareem captured the all-time scoring record from Will Chamberlain in the finals the match everyone was hoping for came to fruition you know we were the favorites and we made our way they won East we won the West so it’s like uh everybody just get ready sit back and uh let’s enjoy it so at least we got the game at our court and uh our fans will be hyped up and it’ll be fun of course you had the bird magic you know take over the 80s the bird magic Celtic Laker finals were like the Ali Fraser in each of the last four NBA world championship series either magic or bird has competed but this is the first time that the two have gone head to-head for the title well I was excited being in the finals but playing against mat that was uh something that always dreamed about since he beat us in college and welcome to Los Angeles the city of cars and expensive cars the 1984 NBA world championship series was a media circuit back in the finals again magic and bird would add a new chapter to their rivalry game four with the Lakers leading the Celtics two victories historic struggles between the Lakers and Celtics had defined the NBA down to one in game four to even the series bird gets the layup boy how he kns his way in the rating were off the charts and the NBA was bigger than ever and there’s Larry Bird with another rebound he has 11 in the ball game the tip controlled by the Celtics here’s bird G for three and he has it the Lakers arrived in Boston St comes in in 1983 and he capitalizes on two people one name is Larry Bird other name was Magic Johnson playing an extraordinary heat both teams would have to dig deep Boston Garden was a sauna the place had no air conditioning and inside as the temperatures reached into the hundreds the Lakers tried to relax and stay fresh are entering the hottest place in this city literally there is no air conditioning in this ancient building and the loud and rabid Boston fans cheered them as if on a crusade how hot was it in here game five and game seven at 84 against the Lakers uh they said it was 105 uh all I remember is Kareem aldun Jabar with the oxygen tank to his face the Lakers will have a bottle of oxygen alongside their bench Larry Bird gets an offensive rebound was an exceptional rebound averaging 10 rebounds a game for the score is tied at 26 game started over 97° here at Boston Garden inside and I’m sure that’s been raised a few degrees bird scored 34 points and had 17 rebounds by Larry Bird AES finds an open bird takes ramit it’s and the Boston Celtics have in resounding fashion with a big second half have crouched the Los Angeles Lakers 121 to 103 a 34.7 rebound game to go up 32 bird had an extraordinary game scoring 34 points on 15 of 20 from the field shield and grabbing 17 rebounds back in La The Forum was packed so on a Sunday Southern California afternoon The Forum is our setting and the Los Angeles Lakers must win here or this season is history usually restrained Forum crowd was in a frenzy they had seen Boston Garden erupt and went all out for the Lakers from the start the game wasn’t close the showtime Lakers steamrolled burden the Celtics [Applause] the Lakers win would send the series to Boston for a game set Los Angeles Lakers have even this NBA world championship series at three victories a piece and they did it in dramatic fashion and Abdul Jabar scored 30 points to lead all scores Larry Bird had 28 a dramatic Victory by the Lakers I thought we played like a bunch of sisters we just didn’t do the things that took for us to win a championship everything is back there to be had history the Boston Garden uh retired numbers World Championship banners uh we have a chance to do something that no other team has ever done go back to Boston Garden and win a world championship on that paret floor the series returned East the Lakers had lost the homec court advantage which rested now with Boston back in the garden the heat was on track of the temperature here in Boston Garden and it says 91° that’s inside outside is pretty delightful Tom the moment schoolyard players dream about on Sleepless summer nights and tonight the seventh game of the World Championship where the Lost of celings and the Los Angeles Lakers get ready for the world championship of basketball 1983 84 in game number seven the fans erupted into thunderous Applause well he said it no question that Larry Bird the man the Celtics will live or die with tonight and electric atmosphere bird going in Jack Nicholson does not have as good a seat here in Boston as he does in La Tom here’s magic Off the Mark Lakers has several chances and here’s Larry [Laughter] this game is Larry bir I mean he’s doing everything the Fel by Larry bir he right behind Kareem to make the steal trying to cut it to one and he loses it again to Dennis Johnson is going in against Cooper again and this time he’s fou [Applause] and Dennis Johnson hits the free throw Johnson’s free throws gave the Celtics a five-point lead and now a foul B basket a foul was called bird had defeated his rival magic and helped Boston secure its 15th NBA [Applause] championship the Celtics had done it final second C going up to three it’s over the fans stormed the [Applause] court the Boston Celtics are the NBA world [Laughter] champions 15 World titles another Banner will be hung from the rafters at Boston G the loss had haters mocking Magic Johnson by calling him tragic Johnson 1985 right after the tragic Johnson label gets thrown on the next season began with tremendous expectations this was Michael Jordan’s rookie season unselfishness move the ball magic is directing everything on the floor he’s telling guys where to go it hit traffic J got the ball away I’ll never miss a chance to share a few young MJ moments and that’s what they came to see didn’t they the Jordan versus magic matchup seem to bring the best out of both men he looked like he accelerated once he got in the air that’s unbelievable it’s like he has a a jet propeller [Applause] somewhere rejects it two on one [Applause] stop and we were a Showtime teed win you know just run up and down just showed the greatness of Magic Johnson the way he could read the floor he threw that ball right through all five San Antonio players every facet of Magic’s game had reached New Heights oh what a pass Magic Johnson threw the key a bounce pass of 28 ft with the 20ft jumper that’s what I said he’s shooting so well outside this year W he can’t believe it he’s questioning mahalik he pass to Johnson he turned the no look pass into his signature move and the showtime moniker into a brain you want to make the fans feel good you want to leave them when they go home and uh they talk to their wife that night or they go into the office the next day you want to let them say to that next guy hey you missed a magic show oh magic with a little show time on the left hand scoop shot going to the right six points of Magic the Lakers had become the greatest show in town year in and you’re out he is the best salesman the NBA has ever had he just goes about his he loves what he’s doing and you can tell he’s a class actor a testament to Magic’s infectious energy just makes you going to another high another level and I just I just go wild and crazy I just want to do everything and uh if I lose that then it’s time for me to go dazzling passes Amplified Kareem’s finishing power oh great pass on the Alley from Magic to K play played it here right yeah which is where it starts right here nice pass to Magic as he their contrasting Styles became a symphony of basketball to be on sure Here Comes magic mesmerizing audiences still finds the open man worthy great play by Magic John the Western Conference was powerless against the Lakers having won four of the last five Conference titles the Lakers eyed the Phoenix Suns as their first round patient the Lakers prognosis couldn’t be better as they had won the Pacific Division by a record setting 20 game margin opens the playoff with an 18-point 19 assist game closes out Drexler and Portland in round two with 349 and 19 the Lakers were headed back to the finals the Lakers fifth trip to the finals in 6 years and the most anticipated rematch in team history well this is it first week of June and it always happens to be Boston Celtics and LA Laker time for most the regular season was but a Prelude to the inevitable Clash of Titans in the finals swing it for the Celtics Boston versus LA after 84 when 85 we faced him we were ready for Celtics the Celtics couldn’t beat us after that we were ready for them for decades the Celtics had owned the Lakers and a turnover good save by Kare but there was no stopping this Lakers team magic has another just typical for the finals and for the playoffs 18 points seven rebounds 14 assists per game bird with a runner magic with the rebound Ain Nothing Like Larry Legend and Magic JS yes the game has definitely changed there’s no denying that but let’s be damn sure we never forget that these two are the guys who changed this is game five and many people will tell you that it is the single most important game in a seven game series Ed guard in a sixth year from Michigan State number 32 Magic Johnson magic sending a with that outside shot Magic Johnson from outside spped Away by Urban Magic Johnson [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] 235 to go six-point lead for the Lakers it’s now [Applause] eight Magic [Applause] with a fierce determined performance and it’s 3 to2 in favor of Los Angeles as we go back to Boston no one had ever gone into Boston and won a title on their floor and a very pleasant good afternoon to you ladies and gentlemen from the Boston Garden where the Los Angeles Lakers hope to achieve something they have never done the Los Angeles Lakers by winning two of three at home in the new format of the NBA have achieved a 3-2 Advantage they want to stifle the cel here today and be crowned the 1985 World Champion right here yes that’s even where they put Jack Nicholson Jack they really hate us here in Boston don’t they oh no they treat us so great they bring us clams they give us beer everything with one series magic could erase the tragic Johnson label and redeem not only himself but the entire Lakers organization to [Applause] imag when he gets an assist usually it’s a just sparkling variety and that last one he gave to word you was beautiful the Lakers had slain the dragon defeating Boston on their own Court while capturing the title the Lakers could win their third title Tommy in six years they have reached the finals in five of those six years barring some real strange happenings the Lakers are finally going to do it against these Celtics this man Magic Johnson played this season with a mission for the Lakers and it’s about to pay off gets revenge on Boston beats him in six in the finals magic had his third championship in six years none sweeter than this one over his rival Larry Bird 10797 and it’s as if no one is at Boston Garden right now that’s how quiet it is that’s got to be the ultimate thrill for the Lakers K hits again with a Skyhook the Lakers are less than a minute away Magic Johnson been with the Lakers six years he’s been healthy five of them and every year he’s been healthy Magic Johnson has taken the Lakers to the NBA finals the Lakers are winning it three and six years La comes to Boston and wins the world title [Applause] hey look at this F the city rejoiced all right we are live from City Hall Lakers celebration and what you’re looking at is assigned as says Boston sucks all right roaring crows the magic effect went beyond the court he transcended race and socioeconomic barriers becoming a role model for young people across La if you ask me if I had fun yes I had fun so you’re talking the 80s you’re the biggest star in La period did you reach all your fans yes I did but what you paid [Applause] for but the best moments was when we won five those five championship and Jack Nicholson came to all our After parties like right when we won then we had a big party and then we had an after party to that party and Jack was in their partying with us man we thought we were the coolest dudes on the face of the Earth to have Jack audience what is it like to party with Jack nich I don’t sure I’m not sure I could keep up with Jack Nicholson no nobody can here’s Johnny magic was the king of La in the80s does America believe in magic you bet we do magic that’s rebounder the next season the Lakers look to repeat as Champions Nobody Does it Better I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times again the young man is truly amazing his command to the floor was Second To None they switch and now magic is guarded by elijahwan magic with a great Fe to Ram it had been almost two decades since a team had last gone back to back magic put it up I I I strive in pressure I love of pressure I want to be in the pressure situation final second magic was better than ever Magic Johnson hits the three-pointer with 5 Seconds to go after Michael Cooper was covered by Bobby Jo here’s a guy who has not been 100% coming back from an injured knee that’s the greatest time for I think any athlete when the the the chips are down uh uh when the big basket has to be scored or that pass uh I want to be the one they’re the defending world champions who must fight off yet another challenge this is a team that has been through the wars the Lakers returned to the Conference Finals again they’d face off against hakee the dream in Houston the biggest dream of all has been AE himself who spearheaded the drive to OU the Lakers kareim how did he get in there block by Elijah wise Magic had 20 assists against the rockets in this game defending champ led to Houston the Western Conference finals and for the first time in four years he does not make the final here’s Elijah doubled by during this series hakee averaged 31 Points 11 rebounds and four blocks on 52% shooting I think they very well will be you know they are with the Lakers in that playoff run where they lose in houon to Houston Magic average 21 one points per game six rebounds per game 15 assists per game Elijah W again and winds up on his back and AEM Elijah won with six straight points McCrae will inbound 1 second on the clock but the season was Houston’s and Hakeem and Samson carried the Rockets past La it goes it’s over a miraculous shot off balance has given the Houston Rockets the Western Conference Championship and a trip to Boston for the NBA World title the Lakers had failed to go backto back adding salt to the womb Magic’s rival Larry Bird would win another title that season for the 14th time the Celtics have brought the NBA World Championship home to Boston and thousands of fans mobbed Logan Airport this afternoon to greet the young Sports Heroes with all you young people out there sometime you have to fail to then win pass under the magic coming back even better the Lakers were far from finish the the right hand slam right face in what is considered his single greatest season magic owned the lead I see 35 points magic I see 29 Points magic you’re scoring more handing out more assists than ever before why are you playing better 56 years later the season was a captivating display of basketball Brilliance a great block by Kara three-on-one break magic the showtime era entered New Heights you’re seeing the versatility of imag Johnson who’s a point guard who also has the ability to go into the low post and play like a c pass down the middle of where they slam’s going to move when we sit next to one of the most incredible basketball players in all of the World Magic on a 360 spinning move complete Court awareness well let’s go back that 87 team was probably the best team that’s ever played in basketball oh what a pass underneath you think about that team it was it was we had from top to bottom it was amazing group of guys all with that special magic flare toas another assist for magic four for gassing opponents who tired while desperately trying to defend against the onsong leading 4339 when magic starts to look to do this Kareem’s career was winding down and Magic was now the focal point there’s the spin move by the Magic Man magic continued his MVP Pace scoring at [Music] will the team was an offensive Force I iron Scott scores Terry Porter follows him and The Crowd Goes Nuts [Applause] rambus his Aura was evident as winning had become synonymous with magic you wonder why it’s magic magic chots and Rises to the challenge and the Trailway there’s one time out seen why the Lakers are favored to win it all it’s a great basketball team great bounce pass nobody throws a bounce pass from distance like Magic Johnson bounce in it to Scott score magic ass culating bounce pass I love those passes the best player in the league and the engine behind the showtime Lakers that’s good that’s 30 for magic 20 on the second half the King of the West you’re off to another great start in 8687 you seem like a team that’s hungry but I know that the Brinks truck pulls up in front of each one of your houses and takes the money to the bank so how could you be hungry when you when you’ve done it all and you’re making it all Johnson won his first League MVP NBA Ed Most Valuable Player award to Magic Johnson magic was a winner for all his highlights and there were plenty for all its Sensational statistics and there were many Magic Johnson was defined by winning more than anything else in the playoffs the Lakers were at their best Danny Shay gets the basket to make it 6547 22 to go an Unstoppable force it appeared to be a season of destinyce underneath magicon watch Magic check check the area well you don’t want to go down down 30 if you can avoid it at The Buzz [Music] that’s an 88t shot by Magic that’s just what Denver needed magic was such a winner that nine of his 12 full seasons ended with him playing in the NBA Finals why not he’s got 17 now uhoh two onone watch this B but before magic there had never been a 6’9 in ball handmer let alone point guard in the finals magic would get another shot at bird and the Celtics the Celtics were the defending Champions you had two guys on opposite coast and and uh and playing well and taking their teams to the finals year after year after year and playing against each other has got to do nothing but the raise morale the lead Rebound with 113 on on the clock and a chance to cut it to seven it’s good four on the shot clock Dennis for two just missed and the Lakers can take the lead here the most compelling is that everybody wanted to see us play them because they were the uh hard noosed tough East Coast type team that use a pass to kind of run their fast break and a foul as well Magic’s passing was so incredible so all inspiring that he literally made it as cool to pass as to score for an entire generation of players there’s the kooper loop r o to Michael Cooper the Lakers took a lead back to Boston La wanted Redemption and Magic would deliver it for them with the game hanging in the balance magic turned to Kareem’s signature move Magic Johnson in the low post being got by Dennis Johnson a beautiful moment which has come to embody so many things about the career of Magic Johnson scores with two Captain the Celtics Trail by one with two seconds to [Applause] go and the Lakers have won in Pat Riley and the Lakers dance off the court two games later the Lakers clinched the title in game six I just tried to play the game the right way man and I love passing that basketball man and having it in my hands I love controlling the action I love the game Magic Johnson you and the Lakers just won the NBA Championship what are you going to do next I’m going to Disneyland [Applause] another title put the Lakers back at top the80s hierarchy but it was the extraordinary measure of the man that despite the unusually high standards we judged him by he so regularly exceeded those [Applause] expectations they saw a quiet a show congratulations to the Lakers the 1987 NBA world champions thank you David whoever said winning isn’t everything it’s the only thing apparently had today’s Citywide celebration in mind where estimates of 40 to 50,000 screaming fans showed their appreciation La celebrated as the Lakers reigned again these are the stages of Magic Johnson’s coming of age and I’m guaranteeing everybody here next year we’re going to win it again what is the true measure of greatness by winning the NBA title against Boston in the 86 87 season the Lakers now had a chance to prove their greatness two titles in three years Pat Riley at the H one of the reasons the Lakers have developed that aura of invincibility is that Pat Riley drills his team as hard as any coach in the NBA but after a hard day of offensive and defensive drills under Riley the hand toand combat the Lakers have earned their right to play it was up to the players to perform a feat which hadn’t been done in 19 years to win back-to- back World titles is I up to Magic Johnson here’s the drive he scores it minut 23 to go Lakers by two 7 minutes 50 seconds left here in the fourth quarter byon Scot here cor 18 oh you give him an in a midseason rematch with the Celtics was the hottest ticket in town the game came down to one final shot positive thing for both ball clubs tonight and it’s a shame that one of them has to lose Cooper will inbound the ball Johnson he h it the Lakers [Music] win the Lakers win it at the buzzer on the shot by Magic Johnson 115 to 114 magic drilled the game winner the win propelled the defending Champion Lakers into a 15g game winning streak WI a win and AC got the rebound green gives the magic bounce under to Thompson that’s a great pass and Thompson scores not many guys in the league can make that pass Randy Fishman and Tim Edwards are fine [Music] statistician oh what a perfectly executed laot pass and there is Magic Johnson the ball player at the peak of his game and still having fun at the office it had been 19 years since any team had repeated as champions in the NBA magic came to end that stream go in to Magic Johnson he’ll drive go and scor great pass by Magic they cruised past the regular season and back into the playoffs game five of the Western Conference Final the Dallas Mavericks trying to win one in La against the Lakers and then the Lakers came right back with a surge what again magic the Maestro conducted the [Applause] offense and the Lakers can celebrate and their dreams of a backto back Championship remain very much magic led the Lakers back to the finals and it’s nothing personal but I want to beat the Lakers and um we will see they all want us and they all get their chance right now magic and the Lakers were on the precipice of History friends are here there are the two buddies Isaiah and Magic the crowd loves what they see I guess this is Pistons basketball huh the outstanding defense by both teams once someone gets to the basket magic comes back with a hook shot you saw Isaiah do something at this end I’m going to show my friend what I can do the Pistons were on the rise and many felt the Lakers run was at its end the Lakers go to their spot about as quick as any team I have ever seen the series was grueling it would push the Lakers to the break a game seven would be forced back in LA and an imposing home record in the playoffs Lan beer and Kare the Lakers were primed to end the 19-year drought since the last back-to- back champion from the rebound by Magic Johnson one game to settle it all and Scott goes to the hook one game to make history the Lakers were there but no foul Magic Johnson magic and worthy put on a show the Lakers want to put this to bed early it seems they have done it the game the Lakers have won it again backto back champions a great moment the Lakers repeat as world champions here first time in 19 years the first team to do it in 19 years they are releasing pent on emotions in the Laker dressing room [Applause] [Music] the next year magic was named athlete of the decade this team is the team of the 80s they have a ball club with Incredible Pride Magic Johnson’s playing in his 10 pass Johnson would continue his dominance and would win another League MVP score foul Grant the Lakers maintained ownership of the Western Conference go break to Magic he has to wait for the pass magic indeed FES a pass and scores Riley had the showtime Lakers moving the ball as well as ever side to Byron Scott in low of Magic Johnson underneath the St no one could stop them johon 20th assist of the game Nobody Does it Better I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a thousand times again the young man is truly amazing he makes the pass better than anybody the magic Magic’s got a three on two to the left is cop the bounce pass the cop slammed up among the men of the NBA Irvin Magic Johnson is the man what a pass under the top of score Magic’s League record 30 triple doubles in in the playoffs one of the greatest teams and dynasties in American Pro Sports history in the playoffs they ran into the Trailblazers 1989 magic wins another League MVP the opening game of the Western Conference playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers the defending NBA champions and the Portland Trailblazers anyway it comes up short the rebound comes off to Portland Percy On The Run check out Clyde the Glide Drexler to of the circle wouldn’t go for him worthy pulls away the rebound Lakers on the Run magic keeps it basket good he’ll go to the [Applause] line magic and the Lakers won 11 straight games in the playoffs cruising to the finals they’re going for three straight titles they sweep their way to the finals and the Lakers wind up winning it by 20 all that success here comes the Pistons and the Bulls and those were the Pistons were probably one of the best defensive teams that’s probably played in the final they was physical that’s why right they they were so physical but long in a rematch the Pistons have dreamt about for an entire season the home court advantage belongs to the Detroit Pistons who battled all year to gain it so tonight in their beautiful new Palace about 35 Mi outside of downtown Detroit it’ll be game in the finals the Lakers would face off one more time with the bad boy Pistons in the fins Detroit is awesome five on the shot clock here’s magic with a running hook but we also never know what will happen cuz magic got hurt in game two in game two magic was in transition when injury struck Magic Johnson may have pulled a hamstring he missed 16 games including the allstar game with a hamstring pole he was forced out of the remainder of the series I’ve never seen him look like that and they get swept overall in the 80s he had eight finals appearances and five titles in that deck the Lakers could become the first team in the history of the league ever to sweep their way into the finals and then be swept out in four stra game magic had to watch From the Bench as the Pistons swept the Lakers World [Music] [Applause] Champs it was the Pistons moment their time to finally win it all for magic and the Lakers it was a crushing defeat as Kareem Abdul Jabar retired after the season 69-17 30 years old 11 Kareem is now retired magic wins another MVP Thompson give the ball to Magic Johnson magic running the show underneath to worthy slamed up that’s about a 44t pass like a bullet in the fourth quarter Magic’s got it magic had another MVP season down the middle of green great pass green lays it up and in Lakers a game and a half ahead of Detroit for the best home court record in the entire league right it’s the Trap Michael Thompson he’s a man whose team has achieved unsurpassed Excellence over the past decade he’s also a player who has never focused on statistics but winning and only winning he was named CBS player of the year there’s Magic Hat 5.2 down to 3 seconds the hook shot oh no with eight t for the second consecutive season the millerite CB Player of the Year as selected by the CBS Sports production staff is none other than Irvin Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers keeps the ball yoyo up and down turns the next season magic led the Lakers back to the finals again throws up a h out of but this time he ran into the emerging bulls and Michael Jordan rarely do players carry teams to wins much less Championship you’re not going to avoid the magic Michael f and we got out on him about 12: to 2 and I said I’m going I’m going to really rattle his chain so I went over there tapped him on the shoulder say hey man if you don’t turn into the Air Jordan we going to blow you out today Jimmy his eyes got big you that tongue come about right here now was way out he’s looking at me scrip fight your there’s Jordan St Jordan scored the 46 that was the the one loss in the series Jord he has Michael has a streak in him competitively that I’ve never seen in anyone before thinkk Michael Jordan had the perfect body it’s long it’s lean he can run age with j everything was perfect The Look Away to lingon Jordan Michael Jordan in 1991 came down on us with the right hand tongue out he switching midair to the left oh a spectacular move by Michael Jordan that’s 13 consecutive and I was just stunned and all of us was stunned to see him hang in the air that night and a Chicago have won their first ever NBA championship incredible they’ll never be tomor is you should not talk trash to Michael Geor his name says it all Magic Johnson and he was certainly Magic on the basketball court the LA Lakers star kept basketball fans entertained for 12 Seasons with his basketball slight of hand and his Trade Mark smiled 911 your world changed mhm you came out and made an announcement that you you were HIV positive first of all let me say good good after late afternoon um because of um the HIV virus that I have attained uh I will have to retire from the Lakers uh today after the HIV diagnosis and Magic’s subsequent retirement fans were left shocked their favorite player had suddenly removed himself from the game and and many worried they’d never see him play again just one week into this NBA season the shocking news of Magic Johnson’s retirement hit us in the 3 months since the issue of AIDS in sports and in society has found a powerful spokesman uran Magic Johnson had his career cut short when he was diagnosed with HIV 22 years ago and at that time you know it was a death sentence and people didn’t go public with the virus the impact of that announcement was huge and since then magic has found a new life as a an incredibly successful entrepreneur and an advocate did it ever even occur to you to to use protected sex no 3 months ago he announced his retirement from the NBA after testing positive for the HIV virus but he was voted by the fans as one of the starting guards for the Western Conference star this is the live scene inside the West locker room horc came out and he was followed by Worthy and there’s magic the fans showed their support by voting magic into the allstar gam allar Gam mag Magic’s All-Star return sparked a new desire for him to continue playing it was this desire that led him to spearheading the creation of the Dream Team for more than half a century the US was so dominant in basketball that its Collegiate players were all that was needed to win the goal and here’s the frosting for the ussi they win it 8276 those other countries were using Pros playing against 18 19 18y old kids that is really unfair loss after loss for us basketball of these the Olympics would now allow professional athletes to compete for the first time opening the door for the formation of a team there was an idea called The Avengers Initiative moments ago the Dream Team boarded the bus outside their hotel along the ramblas I kept thinking that the attention would dissipate they’re going to play the first game they’re going to win by 60 a team unlike any other a 66 guard Michael Jordan the guy on the bench is taking pitches what may well be the best basketball team ever assembled the Dream Team served as a final farewell for both magic and bird so suddenly the lead stretches to 15 oh the dream team is credited with bringing NBA basketball to the world defensive hustle number 14 with the score that’s what people have been waiting for hello an entire generation of kids in Europe watched the Dream Team in awe prior to the US beating these teams by 60 points they POS it midcourt it’s a Waters moment in the history of sports not just not just the Olympics not just [Music] basketball though magic did return briefly again this was the symbolic goodbye he deserved yes look at look at these numbers uh 31 straight points at one stretch 46 to1 run by the United States it gave birth to internal National stars who had nothing to do with those games in ’92 Irvin Magic Johnson show time nobody brings it home like you in nobody make it so