Five-time NBA champion Magic Johnson is about as opinionated as any former Los Angeles Laker. Magic always chimes in on what is going on with the franchise as he’s remained passionate about his former team ever since walking away from the game in 1996.
Ironically enough, immediately after Magic retired, a new era began with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant leading the way. Ultimately, the pair went on to win three straight NBA titles and two more followed with Kobe playing alongside Pau Gasol a few years later.
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Recently, Magic made an appearance at Long Beach State University and talked about a little about the current state of the franchise and their superstar. Magic said the following about Kobe according to Chris Trevino of the L.A. Daily News:
“I hope that (Kobe) is healthy so he can lead out Lakers back,” said Johnson. “He’s on my Mount Rushmore. He is unreal. Think about his mindset and attitude and how he can just do it night in and night out, that’s one thing great about Kobe. I love him.”
Magic didn’t disclose who else is on his Mount Rushmore of NBA greats, but it’d probably be a safe bet to assume he’d have at least one more Laker on his list. In fact, Magic’s Mount Rushmore could be identical to Kobe’s.
Kobe named the four players he’d put on his Mount Rushmore back in February. Magic was on the list along with Magic’s former rival Larry Bird, six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan and Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell.
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