Magic’s Criticism Of Lakers….

Let me start by saying this, I grew up idolizing Earvin “Magic” Johnson. My introduction to basketball started when Magic’s career started with the Lakers and led them to a championship in his rookie year . He not only took the NBA by storm, but he captured a young boys heart as well who was hooked to his behind the back passes, the no look passes for slam dunks, the one man fast break and ofcourse that smile that showed everyone his love for the game and how beautiful a game it could be. Ever since then i have been a die hard Lakers fan. I have often lost sleep over buzzer beater losses or games being lost to teams that were subpar to my beloved Laker team. I have been consumed by basketball ever since then and it has not changed to this day . I had tears coming down my eyes the day i heard that Magic was retiring because of the HIV Virus. That hurt me big time, some for selfish reasons and others for his well being. But lets face it , the man has freakin beat HIV. It’s virtually no longer detected in his system . Back then, when you heard that word you were terrified and expected a death sentence. We all wondered to ourselves, how long before its over for Magic. But hes still here and kicking strong . Now thats Magic!!

However, within the last ten years, he has irked me BIG TIME. Recently, Magic criticized the Lakers performances so far in the 2008 NBA Finals before Game Three. He went on to say that they were playing very soft and was embarassed by their performances. Mentioned that they weren’t rebounding and stopping guys like Paul Pierce who were getting wide open shots. Now although i agree with Magic, he totally went about it the wrong way. He is the part owner of the Lakers and has access to these guys whenever he wants. He should’ve pulled them aside and gave them a pep talk if he was so outraged by their efforts. I think that would’ve been alot more constructive dont you? Now im sure the Lakers are looking at him like “What does this guy want now” every time he passes by.

This is not the first time Magic has done this. Lets not forget when the Lakers were in trouble with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. That team was the one that had Gary Payton and Karl Malone who had given up millions of dollars for the opportunity to close out their careers with the Lakers and hopefully a championship. The Lakers were being outplayed in that series badly, Chauncey Billiups was turning Gary Payton from “The Glove” to “The Mitten” on his way to later becoming the Finals MVP. Karl Malone was dealing with an injury and wasnt himself after his knee would just not allow him to play anymore. But before a crucial game in that series, Magic ripped on the Lakers then too and called out names like Payton and Malone and Kobe. Once again, why could’nt he just have went in the locker room or stood by the court as they warmed up and say “Come on guys!!”

Magic also has a knack for not showing up to Lakers games anymore so he can do the broadcasts for TNT with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. Everytime, i see him in that studio im thinking as a Lakers fan, “What in the Purple and Gold Hell is our owner doing there?’ How can he sit there and try to be an unbiased commentator when he is a part of the Lakers organization. I know why……. Cause Magic is an ‘Attention Junky” thats right hes addicted to attention. I mean think of the comebacks , then the short coaching stint, all because he cant stand to be out of the spotlight. And ofcourse , when TNT was done with the NBA for the season after finishing up the Western Conference Finals, I see Magic show up where? Thats right , with the ABC telecast and sitting in with their hosts.

When the idea of doing the great Split Screen Commercials with Larry Bird came up , Magic im sure ran with the opportunity while ive heard that Larry Bird wasn’t so thrilled with the idea. Larry supposedly told Magic that this was the only commercial he was gonna do . He didn’t want to take away from the players in todays game getting their attention and it being their time now. I’ve always respected Larry Bird the competitor and he was a tremendous ballplayer in his day. But i have even more respect for the man now. Since hes left the game hes been involved even more in the game then Magic yet we always see Magic and dont see Bird. Bird is now the President of the Indiana Pacers.

So in closing, rest assure that if the Lakers are fortunate enough to win the Championship this year and beat the Celtics, get ready to see Magics grill as the first one to embrace Kobe and jump up to the podium for the award celebration. Magic , let these guys have their time now and stop trying to steal all the thunder. Just make sure that when i go to Starbucks, that my White Mocha is hot and when i go to the movies that my popcorn is buttered!!!