Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan were the two greatest NBA players at one point in time. Both of them were formidable forces that contributed to their teams becoming the best in the league. Actually, back in 1991, the two faced off in the Finals. In his book When the Game Was Ours, Magic reflected on their fights and shared some of his regrets about his relationship with His Airness. Specifically, how a lack of communication caused their once-close relationship to grow apart.
In the NBA, Magic and Michael were long viewed as competitors. After all, Johnson was the best player in the league when MJ joined. Thus, a healthy rivalry between the two developed throughout time. one that persisted long after they left the league. Years later, the two still maintain a friendly relationship. But the absence of a deep connection affected him deeply.
Magic Johnson laments that he and Michael Jordan were not closer. Millions and millions of people were captivated by Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan when they were in the NBA. Their careers were divisive from beginning to end, and their individual playing styles were a lot of fun to watch. Indeed, there was a brief period of time when Magic vs. Michael was the central storyline in the league.
Both Johnson and Jordan found the debate to be largely enjoyable, and it was an engaging one. Though they enjoyed competing against one other on the hardwood floor, the Los Angeles Lakers great regrets one thing about their friendship.
Magic regrets that his relationship with His Airness “lacked substance,” as he stated in his book. In other words, even though they got along well, they never really became friends. Something Johnson is not proud of. To be honest, it didn’t help that Isiah Thomas and Magic had allegedly plotted a freeze-out on the six-time NBA Champion in 1985. The two never made an effort to reconcile with one another until that point.
Despite becoming two of the most well-known figures in the game, Michael and Magic’s “relationship” lacked any real depth. Magic remarked, “We never got a chance to talk about it.” Michael was the opponent of Magic. We never became friends because of this. Regretfully, we never had any quality time together. I’m frequently asked why I didn’t collaborate with Michael on more projects. I’m not even sure what to say to them. There was a miscommunication that led to the freeze-out, and neither of us ever made an effort to make amends. Then, before you know it, years pass and we’ve grown apart, and it might have all been prevented had one of us taken the initiative. However, we didn’t.
It’s unfortunate that their reunion was delayed for so long. The two have been enjoying their time together now that they have, though. and, while on vacation in Europe, were even seen having fun together.
Magic says he was never able to have a good time at a party as His Airness did. Magic Johnson made some remarks on Michael Jordan’s pre-game ritual a few months ago. An avid party animal, Jordan would frequently go out and enjoy himself prior to each game. He even made an attempt to involve Magic. Johnson, who praised His Airness for it, admitted in a Club Shay Shay episode that he simply couldn’t accomplish what His Airness did.
Ultimately, the magnificence of both Johnson and Jordan cannot be disputed. Being able to watch these two basketball icons play on the same court was a luxury that not many people in today’s world could claim.