Magic Johnson shares heartfelt birthday message for his long-time Los Angeles Lakers teammates

Magic Johnson has recently showered praise on his long-time Los Angeles Lakers teammate, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The NBA Hall of Famer celebrated his 78th birthday on Wednesday, to which Johnson wasted no time to wish the legend with a heartfelt message. Recently, the duo also appeared in a Capital One Commercial for the 2025 March Madness. Johnson has also been a long-time friend of Jabbar.Los Angeles Lakers legend and Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson, sent a heartfelt message to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as he celebrated his 78th birthday on April 16. Taking to X, Johnson, who often stays active on social media, wrote a celebratory message for Jabbar alongside a throwback photograph originally shared by the Los Angeles Lakers' official page.“Happy birthday to the Captain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar! If you combine three high school, three college, and six NBA championships, he is the most decorated basketball player of all time. Nobody’s basketball career is even close to Kareem’s - spanning his high school, college and NBA years!” Johnson wrote.The official handle of the organization also showered praise for the NBA legend with a simple yet elegant message. “Leader. Legend. Laker,” the Lakers wrote. “Happy Birthday, Kareem 🎉.”Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career is stacked with legendary achievements. He won six NBA championships and earned the league’s MVP title six times. A 19-time All-Star, he was also named NBA Finals MVP twice. His impact on the game was honored with selections to the NBA’s 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams. For decades, Abdul-Jabbar held the all-time scoring record with 38,387 points — a stunning feat that was eventually eclipsed by LeBron James, who now sits atop the list with 42,184 career points.Earlier this month, the NBA took a powerful step in blending sports with social impact by introducing the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. More than just a tribute to Abdul-Jabbar’s iconic basketball career, the award honors his unwavering dedication to equality and justice. Crafted by artists from the Marcus Graham Project, the trophy features Abdul-Jabbar’s hands holding a basketball-shaped globe, symbolizing the influence athletes can have beyond the court.Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers shake up playoff roster - who's in, who's out, and why it mattersPresented during a Lakers-Nuggets game, Carmelo Anthony became the inaugural recipient, with the NBA stating it celebrates Abdul-Jabbar’s drive and commitment to “creating an equal and just society, leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child is free to dream as inspiration."