“He never made excuses”: When Magic Johnson shared his candid take on the greatest Laker of all time in heartfelt throwback

Los Angeles Lakers fans have long argued about who deserves the title of the greatest Laker ever, but few moments showed true respect between legends as clearly as what Magic Johnson said about late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Even though they never played together on the court, both men often openly admired each other’s work and the way they gave everything for the Lakers franchise. When asked on the Jimmy Kimmel talk show about why Johnson and Bryant could both be called the greatest Lakers, Magic Johnson didn’t shy away from praising Kobe’s passion and drive.

Magic Johnson explained that it wasn’t just him being polite when he agreed Kobe Bryant deserved that status, it was also his genuine respect. He said both he and Bryant poured their heart and souls into every game they played, night after night, for the Lakers fans. According to Johnson, that shared commitment and love for the game is what makes both of them such legends in the Lakers' history.

Magic Johnson reveals the Laker who redefined commitment and toughness

When Magic Johnson talked about Kobe Bryant, he described a player who always gave his best no matter what, even when things were tough. Magic Johnson said they were both “married to basketball,” meaning they cared deeply about the sport and about winning. That strong commitment connected them, even though they played in very different NBA eras. Magic Johnson also said just watching Kobe Bryant play was something very special. When fans came to the court to see Kobe Bryant play, they could expect to see some remarkable performances and moments that could never be forgotten. For Johnson, that showed Bryant's greatness every single time he stepped on the court to see him play

One part of Kobe’s game that Magic Johnson especially admired was his mental toughness. Johnson said Bryant never made any excuses, whether he was tired or dealing with pain, he played through everything. To Johnson, that was a big reason why Kobe Bryant became one of the greatest Lakers ever.

Magic Johnson reflects on the Laker who matched his drive for greatness

Another part of what made Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant stand out was their deep love for playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson also pointed out that wanting to win so badly is a trait shared by all the best players. He said both he and Kobe Bryant hated losing and always wanted to bring victories to the Lakers fans. That connection with the Lakers fans gave Bryant a lasting impact that Johnson respected deeply.

Even though Magic Johnson won championships in a completely different era and Kobe Bryant created his own legendary status, both players shared the same desire to compete, to win, and to make Lakers history. That mutual respect and that shared will to win is why Magic Johnson believed Kobe Bryant deserved to be called one of the greatest Lakers of all time and, and is also why fans still remember both men for giving their all for the Lakers franchise.




Also Read: "Made me have sleepless nights” - Magic Johnson once made a candid revelation about the one NBA player he feared most


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