Magic Johnson explains why Kobe Bryant is the 'greatest Laker of all time'
Lakers great Magic Johnson visited Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday, just two days after the tragic death of his friend Kobe Bryant. Magic admitted that he is still grieving over the loss, but said, "Kobe would want us all to carry on and be great in our lives."
Kobe, along with his daughter Gianna and seven other people, died Sunday after in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Sunday.
Shortly after the the crash, Magic took to Twitter to share pictures and issue a statement about the 41-year-old basketball player. In one of the tweets he referred to Kobe as "the greatest Laker of all time." And during his visit with Jimmy Kimmel he explained why.
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
"Kobe never made an excuse," Magic told Jimmy. "Whether he was tired, hurt, he played through everything. The man gave us everything that he had."
Magic also credited Kobe with ushering in a new era of Laker's dominance, bringing five NBA Championships to the franchise and establishing the Staples Center as one of the greatest venues in sports.
"Every night you came to Staples Center, you knew you were going to see some special and something great you have never seen in your life," said Magic, adding "That was Kobe Bryant."
While Magic contends Kobe was the greatest Laker of all time, he admitted there is one category in which they are completely even. When asked about who hated losing more, Magic said, "Both of us, ... we both hated losing. We both enjoyed winning and especially winning in Los Angeles for the Lakers."
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on ABC.
Watch as Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon are overcome by emotion remembering Kobe:
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