"I was used to showing my emotions" - Magic on celebrating KAJ's game-winner in his 1979 debut

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26-06-2025

"I was used to showing my emotions" - Magic on celebrating KAJ's game-winner in his 1979 debut originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson was someone not shy about showing his emotions. He has done a lot of that in his career, on and off the court. However, nothing is more memorable than seeing Magic let it all out after experiencing his first win as a pro.
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One unforgettable moment for Johnson was when he played in his first NBA game. Thanks to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Michigan State product got a taste of what it feels like to win an official contest. Earvin was so elated that he hugged KAJ so tightly that it seemed he was choking the Los Angeles Lakers center.
"Everybody was shocked, but I was used to showing my emotions," Johnson said in Roland Lazenby's book, "The Life of Earvin 'Magic' Johnson".
In that game-winning sequence, the San Diego Clippers turned the ball over with two seconds remaining in the game. This allowed L.A. to set up for one final shot. Kareem got the ball on an inbound pass from Don Ford and immediately hoisted a skyhook from the free throw line that went in.
The wild ending sent the Lakers into a frenzy, including Johnson, who jumped on Abdul-Jabbar out of jubilation. Magic was so happy that it appeared he was choking Kareem out of jubilation.
Magic told KAJ to be ready for more hugs
Abdul-Jabbar understood why the win was special for Johnson. However, Kareem tried to level with the rookie guard, explaining to Magic that they still had a long way to go that season.
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"Magic was so fired up, and I was like, Jesus, we can't be this emotional for the whole season, or we won't make it to Thanksgiving," Kareem shared.
A young Earvin seemed to care about that hardly. He told "Cap" he would probably do that again, especially if Kareem lifted the Lakers to victory.
"I'll tell you what. You make that game-winning hook shot like that 81 times, I'm gonna hug you 81 more times," Johnson said.
Kareem did not expect the unusual response, but it was clear that he had a teammate who was pretty animated and unafraid to show his emotions. Hence, a usually stoic Abdul-Jabbar broke down and ended up in a rare laugh at Magic's words.
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Magic finished with KAJ started
As expected, the Lakers made it to the 1980 NBA Finals that year. They went up against the Philadelphia 76ers in what would be a classic battle. L.A. took a 3-2 series lead but had to play Game 6 with a handicap. Kareem was unable to play because of an ankle injury, forcing the Purple & Gold to make personnel adjustments.
Johnson filled the hole left by KAJ in that game and played all positions in that contest. Magic wound up with 42 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists, leading L.A. to the title in his rookie year. That performance rewarded Earvin with the NBA Finals MVP trophy.
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However, Johnson made it clear that the title-clinching win was dedicated to Abdul-Jabbar. He stressed that in the post-game interview, encouraging KAJ to get well soon.
"Big fella, we love you. We did it for you. And we want you to get up and dance a little bit tonight. I know that ankle looks wrong, but get up for us," he said.
That season established the bond that Magic and Kareem had in the years that followed. The tandem won five championships for the Lakers overall. This is one of the reasons why the Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson connection is hailed as one of the most legendary duos the NBA has ever had.
Related: "That meant so much to us" - Magic Johnson on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rallying the troops during the '84 NBA Finals
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on May 28, 2025, where it first appeared.