"If anybody is trying to bad-mouth LeBron James, they don't know basketball" - When Magic Johnson defended LeBron's championship losses
Magic Johnson has always admired LeBron James. He recognized what James is capable of as a player and later on as a leader of his team. In fact, LeBron earned more profound respect from Johnson when he played his heart out in the 2015 Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
With Kyrie Irving injured, James had to step up and deliver. Unfortunately, the Cavs still lost, marking the fourth Finals defeat of LeBron's career. Despite that, Magic argued that fans shouldn't be quick to criticize LBJ.
According to Johnson, who lost four times in his nine Finals appearances, people didn't realize how challenging James' situation was then.
Nevertheless, Magic pointed out that LeBron still finished that series as the best player, which was something that not all players could achieve.
"He carried that team. He was a one-man show," Johnson said of James in 2015. "And when you look at the numbers he put up and not just scoring himself, but the assists and rebounds, he was the best player on the floor for either team. And I think that he really just cemented his legacy as one of the greatest. Now if he can win a couple more (titles), he can be up there in the top three or four guys that have ever played this game."
"If anybody is trying to bad-mouth LeBron James, they don't know basketball, because this guy is tremendous," he added.
Magic says LeBron needs to win more titles
After the devastating 2015 Finals, James and the Cavs bounced back stronger the following season. They upset the Warriors in their rematch in a historic comeback from being down 1-3.
At that point, James was convinced he had become the greatest player ever. Four years later, LBJ secured another title, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers, making him a four-time champion.
Johnson was once again impressed by James' ability to lead his team. However, for someone who believes the number of championship rings matters, Magic thinks LeBron needs to win more titles to his name and probably surpass Michael Jordan before he can consider himself the one true GOAT.
"I don't know; it might take a couple more championships to do that. LeBron is special, and I don't want people always getting mad— we've got to celebrate both guys; Michael is the best, and we should celebrate him and celebrate LeBron. I hate when people get mad at you when you take one or the other. We should just say, 'Hey, Michael is special,' and he's the best to me because he never lost in the NBA Finals, and he averaged over 30 points a game. That guy is just unbelievable," Johnson once said.
"LeBron is special too in his own right too, and people shouldn't forget that either, but when it's all said and done, if you come at me and ask me, that's who I am going to with, and it's MJ," Johnson concluded.
LeBron still eyes another championship
As it stands, James will be turning 41 years old this upcoming season. It would mark his 23rd year in the league and it's safe to say, he is far from being done. At this stage in his career, LeBron is still eyeing another NBA championship. This time he won't be the focal point of the Lakers offense now that they have a young and rejuvenated Luka Doncic on their roster which should alleviate a lot of the pressure from LeBron.
Magic is definitely looking forward to seeing how things play out, but for him, James is already one of the greatest players of all time, with or without winning another championship.This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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