Where final Four MVPs were drafted Jun 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Search stories on N&O.com. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Laker Day parade Jun 19, 2009
Parades and rallies celebrating Lakers championships have been a tradition in Los Angeles since the teams led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began winning titles with regularity in the 1980s. But none were as big, loud or celebratory as this one, which came after down years endured since the team's last championship in 2002. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
NBA might return to glory days Jun 17, 2009
Back in the day, you had Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Hakeem Olajuwon leading the way. The collection of talent today rivals that group. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Joe Buck's Inane HBO Sports Show Jun 17, 2009
Buck wasn't ; he was Magic Johnson on The Magic Hour getting (incidentally, Lange's boss). "Sorry to ruin your fuckin' great show," Lange said before the credits rolled. (Slate)
LOPRESTI: Lakers author 15th chapter in rich title history Jun 16, 2009
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1980s. Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain in the 1970s. (USA Today -- Sports)
JAZZ FUNERAL Jun 16, 2009
UPDATED: 3 :13 a.m. CDT, June 16, 2009. Three decades ago, New Orleans' first NBA team departed from its home at the Dome Sunday, June 07, 2009 By Jimmy Smith Staff writer. (Nola.com -- Sports)
They're the most from coast to coast Jun 16, 2009
Magic Johnson 3,701 12. Scottie Pippen 3,64213. (Boston Globe)
Reggie Miller ribs Barkley in text Jun 16, 2009
Reggie started with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. Reggie also had interesting comments on the Cavs and Shaquille O'Neal. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Ian ThomsenINSIDE THE NBA Jun 16, 2009
-- 6 championships Kareem Abdul-Jabbar -- 6 Magic Johnson -- 5 Kobe Bryant -- 4 -- 4 -- 4 ... While this was not a dominant Lakers team, the upside of young teammates such as Bynum and (as well as the continued improvement of Gasol, who proved reliable in the post against the stronger Howard) gives Bryant hope of winning a fifth title -- which would equal the achievement of his childhood idol, Magic Johnson, and leave him one ring short of Jordan's six. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Lakers win 15th title Jun 16, 2009
The Lakers, whether they were led by George Mikan, Magic Johnson, O'Neal or Bryant, have spent plenty of time atop the NBA. As the Minneapolis Lakers, they won the title in the NBA's first season in 1950. The 2008-09 title is the first since Bryant, Jackson and O'Neal teamed to lead Los Angeles to three consecutive titles from 2000-02. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Richard DeitschMEDIA CIRCUS Jun 16, 2009
The quartet of Stuart Scott, Jon Barry, Magic Johnson and Michael Wilbon gets graded on a tougher curve because inevitably it must be compared with the trio that sets the standard for NBA pregame excellence: TNT's Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Alas, this group lacks the joie de vivre of that crew, and more specifically, it lacks Barkley, whose devil-may-care attitude drives the tenor of his show. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Tiger speaks about LeBrons snub of Magic Jun 6, 2009
Tiger speaks about LeBrons snub of Magic - Golf- nbcsports. Tiger speaks about LeBrons snub of Magic. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Its Only One Game. Yeah, Right! Jun 6, 2009
As Magic Johnson pointed out, his Lakers were pounded by 34 in the game often known as the Memorial Day Massacre against the Boston Celtics in 1985. Yet the Lakers rebounded to win Game 2 and the series. (Slate)
Time wasted on bench doesn't sit well with Orlando's Alston Jun 6, 2009
"Alston missed all five shots and had just 2 points and no assists in the second half, finishing with 6 points on 2-for-9 shooting.Nelson also struggled - the whole Magic team did while shooting 30 percent from the field - but said he felt good yesterday after playing 23 minutes in his first game in four months. The point guard time was split almost evenly, with Alston playing about a minute more. Anthony Johnson, who had been the backup, didn't play at all. Nelson expected the lineup to remain... (Boston Globe)
Tiger weighs in on LeBron's sportsmanship Jun 6, 2009
Tiger Woods weighs in on LeBron s sportsmanship. Friday, June 05, 2009. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Coaches fight generation gap Jun 6, 2009
The face of basketball is , not Magic Johnson. always has coached at , and the Huskies always have been good. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Kobe taking no-fun approach into 2009 Finals Jun 6, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Magic Johnson had his magnetic smile. soared to the basket with his tongue hanging out. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
NBA FINALS NOTEBOOK: Horry not looking to play anymore Jun 5, 2009
Love, working as a correspondent for NBA TV, was quizzing Magic Johnson on what it takes to get to the finals. I m working a little. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Jones: Top 5 NBA finals Jun 5, 2009
Everyone picked it up: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, Mitch Kupchak, and Jamaal Wilkes, not to mention players of lesser prominence like Kurt Rambis, Bob McAdoo, Larry Spriggs, and Mike McGee ... There was no bigger storyline than this being the first NBA finals showdown between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Finals notebook: Bynums play sets tone Jun 5, 2009
Love, working as a correspondent for NBA TV, was quizzing Magic Johnson on what it takes to get to the finals. "I'm working a little bit,'' said Love, who claimed he was a bit nervous. "You're on the complete other side of the spectrum, so you have to be quick with your questions. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Brothers add NBA intrigue Jun 4, 2009
Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president of production, said the Lakers haven't expressed any issues with Jeff Van Gundy during meetings, adding this situation isn't much different than Magic Johnson working as an analyst on the network's studio show. Johnson was a Hall of Fame player for the Lakers who continued working in the organization in retirement, but he was critical of the team and certain players after their lethargic play in a blowout loss to the undermanned Houston Rockets... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Opinion: Howards grounded approach paying off Jun 3, 2009
"No, it was a lot more. It was, well, magic. No, make that Magic. The overflow crowd last night was treated to the second coming of Magic Johnson. As promised. He had us, Babe.". It's not bad to be the second coming of Magic, but maybe it's better to be an average 18-year old high school senior. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Cavs need to upgrade Jun 2, 2009
For me it's Dennis Eckersley after the homers by Kirk Gibson and Robby Alomar, Reggie Jackson coming into the visitors' clubhouse at Yankee Stadium after George Brett's epic homer off Goose Gossage, or the humbled but gracious Magic Johnson after Michael Jordan won his first NBA title in the Lakers' arena. Then again, for LeBron, that breakthrough championship must seem more distant than ever. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's 24th Annual Sports Spectacular Set for Sunday, June 7, 2009 Jun 2, 2009
Over the years, the event has honored many of the greatest athletes of all time, including Muhammad Ali, Baron Davis, Jerome Bettis, Jimmy Connors, Wayne Gretzky, Joe DiMaggio, Joe Montana, Tony Hawk, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Vin Scully, Shaquille O'Neal, Willie Shoemaker, Pete Carroll, and John Wooden, among many others. This year's celebration will take place at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on Sunday, June 7, 2009. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Davidson bracing for life after Stephen Curry Jun 2, 2009
Bird did when he led Indiana State to the NCAA final in 1979 against and Magic Johnson. Curry did when he guided Davidson to a regional final in 2008. (Notre Dame Sports -- Rivals.com)
Don't expect neutral voice from Jeff Van Gundy Jun 1, 2009
But Jackson could have moved to the studio to swap roles with Magic Johnson, the ex-Laker star who's now a team executive. Van Gundy and Johnson, on games, could then spar like two passionate fans albeit ones with expertise. (USA Today -- Sports)
Celizic: Still ideal player Jun 1, 2009
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won with Oscar Robertson, then Magic Johnson. Yet Jordan won with Wennington and Cartwright. (MSNBC -- Sports)
* NBA: Consistently inconsistent officials frustrate players May 30, 2009
As Magic Johnson said when I asked him about the concept of official-less games: Everybody knows when a foul is a foul. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
BTN Celebrates Michigan State Day June 1 May 30, 2009
Big Ten Network Celebrates Michigan State Day on June 1 - MICHIGAN STATE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE. Big Ten Network Celebrates Michigan State Day on June 1 Network to air 24 consecutive hours of Spartan programming. (Msuspartans.com)
New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez impressed with Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James upon close inspection -- Bill Livingston May 30, 2009
"In the fourth quarter, LeBron became something I hadn't seen before. It was like he was Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson combined," said Rodriguez. By the very nature of his triple double of 37 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists, James had more help than in his only comparable game. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
Johnson talks public service, basketball May 29, 2009
"In all seriousness, Charles is a great guy, and when I decided to run for mayor, the first two phone calls that I got were Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley saying, 'What can I do to help?'" Johnson said. As for this year's playoffs, Johnson was holding out hope that the Los Angeles Lakers would meet the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA finals - a matchup of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Like the greats, LeBron delivers May 29, 2009
Would Magic Johnson or Larry Bird be the legends they are today without championship rings. Would Michael Jordan be Michael Jordan without his six. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Morning Huddle What our writers are thinking, seeing, hearing May 28, 2009
He has a ways to go to surpass the careers of Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Other than those four, can you name a guard better than Bryant. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Cavs fans: Time for calm is over May 27, 2009
Magic Johnson won five NBA championships, but he played with one of the greatest centers of all time in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shaquille O'Neal has four championship rings, but his ego is not too big for him to acknowledge he needed Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade to capture those titles. (Erie Times-News, PA)
History Maker May 23, 2009
It followed the arc of Carlton Fisk's home run in 1975, of Doug Flutie's Hail Mary in 1984, of Garfield Heard's turnaround jumper going up and Magic Johnson's baby hook hovering over the Big Three and 's last shot going down ... "That's a shot you will see for a long time, you know?'' James said. "You watch classic games and you see Jordan hit game-winners, and you go all the way back -- Jerry West hitting game-winners, Magic Johnson going across the lane and hitting the jump hook against... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
FLAT-FOOTED FILM BAD IN EVERY WAYANS May 22, 2009
At the E- Walk, the Magic Johnson, the 84th Street, others. lect. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
JT: Lakers will refocus May 19, 2009
They have to take it personally and show more emotion after so many of their loyal fans criticized them along with several NBA analysts including Charles Barkley and their own Magic Johnson. Magic was justified to question their effort and focus throughout the Houston series and he was one of the first insiders to see the problems that a team like the Rockets could cause if L.A. didn't play at its highest level. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Dominique Wilkins gets the ‘ultimate’ call (32) May 17, 2009
Sign in to the E-Edition. Tuesday, August 15, 2006. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Game 7 worries for L.A., not Boston May 17, 2009
The one and only Magic Johnson said the Lakers were an embarrassment to the franchise after a Game 4 blowout loss in Houston. Kenny Smith, the TNT analyst, on Thursday called the Lakers "arrogant" and said their arrogance leads to complacency, which is the reason they've been unable to close out the Rockets. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Former Cavaliers center Brad Daugherty: Our team would beat current team May 14, 2009
He becomes the eighth player since media voting for the All-NBA Teams began in 1981-82 to be a unanimous selection, joining Jordan (four times), Larry Bird (three), Karl Malone (two), Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Joining James on the first team were Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
Best/Worst Owners May 13, 2009
Beneath all that glitz and glamour is an organization that clings fast to its tradition: Magic Johnson is a part-owner, Mitch Kupchak is the GM and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw are assistant coaches. Five Worst NBA Owners. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
They're not Bird-Magic quite yet May 13, 2009
Neither made the playoffs that year, so ESPN did an interview pairing James and Anthony with Hall of Fame rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The piece was called "Two on Two." Jim Gray hosted it in the famed Hoosier Gym that served as Hickory High's home court in the 1986 classic sports movie "Hoosiers.". (Erie Times-News, PA)
James scores 27 as Cavs win 84-74, sweep Hawks May 12, 2009
Like Magic Johnson, he knows there are times that call for sharing the ball. . (Herald Sun)
Cavs sweep aside Hawks with ease May 12, 2009
Like Magic Johnson, he knows there are times that call for sharing the ball. LeBron James went with his Magic impression in the deciding game of another playoff sweep. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Cavaliers move on to East finals after sweeping Hawks May 12, 2009
Like Magic Johnson, he knows there are times that call for sharing the ball. went with his Magic impression in the deciding game of another playoff sweep. (USA Today -- Sports)
Penguins, Capitals take series to the hilt May 12, 2009
The duel between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin was as anticipated as showdowns between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, which boosted the popularity of college basketball and the NBA two decades ago. But this series was more than just a two-man show. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
NBA Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly Has Died May 11, 2009
Daly did famously at the Barcelona Games with NBA superstars such as Magic Johnson, Jordan, Larry Bird and Barkley, using a different lineup in every game. "I played against Chuck's teams throughout the NBA for a lot of years. He always had his team prepared, he's a fine coach," Bird said shortly after Daly's diagnosis became public. (W-USA News, DC)
Daly was one of the best May 10, 2009
Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Charles Barley headlined the greatest team of all-time and Daly used a different lineup in every contest during the games, stroking all of his superstars as the "Dream Team" steam- rolled the competition. "Chuck did a good job of keeping us together," Bird said. (ABC 7 News, DC)
CHUCK DALY 1930-2009 'Bad Boys' coach won two titles May 10, 2009
Mr. Daly was a Depression baby, who used to tell a young Doug Collins, "I don't trust happiness." Mr. Daly's rise was as improbable as that of his Pistons, a widely-hated team that reveled in its nickname, "Bad Boys," as it unseated the Larry Bird Celtics and the Magic Johnson Lakers. He began humbly at Punxsutawney High School, in a Pennsylvania town celebrated for a groundhog, where he spent eight years, teaching English and speech as well as coaching the golf team. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Chuck Daly, 78; coached BC, Pistons, Olympic Dream Team May 10, 2009
Mr. Daly had a golden touch at the Barcelona Games with the likes of Magic Johnson, Jordan, Larry Bird, and Barkley, using a different lineup every game. "I played against Chuck's teams throughout the NBA for a lot of years. He always had his team prepared, he's a fine coach," Bird said shortly after Mr. Daly's diagnosis became public. (Boston Globe)
Ewing baffled by non-call May 10, 2009
Hall of Famers such as Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Jerry West had their ups and downs. But Ewing hopes to be judged on his own merits. (Boston Globe)
Morning Leadoff May 10, 2009
From 1D: In his return to the NBA in 1996, Magic Johnson helped the Lakers reach the playoffs. Los Angeles took on the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference quarterfinal series. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Basketball Legend Chuck Daly (1930-2009) May 10, 2009
When you have Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson on your squad, and are beating the awestruck Angolans, Brazilians and Puerto Ricans by an average of 43. 8 points, any coach worth his whistle would have just let them play. (Time.com)
Mills, responsible for Isiah's hire, to leave MSG May 8, 2009
Mills will work for Magic Johnson Enterprises, who recommended Thomas to Mills when the were looking for a team president in 2003. Thomas later fired coach Larry Brown and took over the team himself, coaching for two losing seasons that included an embarrassing sexual harassment trial before Donnie Walsh replaced him as president and fired him as coach. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Alvord: Defending the Giant, and more scientific Top 10 lists May 7, 2009
UgottaBkidding wrote on May 6, 2009 10:21 AM:" Regarding Top10 Blazers of all-time: Mychal Thompson was a joke as a Blazer. He never took anything on or off the court serious. Magic Johnson wiped the smile off Thompsons's face and made him play to his abilities when he was a Laker. I'd easily replace him with Bobby Gross who single handedly beat the Sixers in the NBA title game. If you watch that game its as if the rest of the Blazers tried to throw the game. Lastly, I'd pay scalper prices for... (Longview Daily News, WA)
NHL's spotlight is big enough for Crosby and Ovechkin May 6, 2009
The first season they were in the NHL together, 2005-06, it was suggested that they could do for the NHL what Larry Bird and Magic Johnson did for the NBA in the 1980s. Both already have won the Hart Trophy as league MVP. Crosby helped his team to the Stanley Cup Finals last year. (USA Today -- Sports)
Crisp holds chat with Royals faithful May 6, 2009
Crisp: My favorite athlete for boxing was Oscar De La Hoya, for basketball Magic Johnson, for baseball Ricky Henderson, hockey was Wayne Gretzky and football was Bo Jackson. nuc6: we all know your a great defensive center fielder, but what was your favorite position in high school. (MLB.com -- Kansas City Royals)
The Wrestler(s) May 5, 2009
Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte. (FOX59, IN)
Check out the 206 U.S. Olympic Hall of Famers and vote for 2009 inductees! May 2, 2009
In the first Games with NBA players, the Dream Team, led by stars like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, dominated the field en route to gold. Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Bringing handball back (56) May 1, 2009
Heathcote, who coached Magic Johnson and Michigan State to the 1979 national basketball championship, coached basketball and handball at Montana before heading east. "What I did was kind of organize practice time. Usually it was early in the morning," Heathcote said. (Montana Standard, MT)
Top 10 moments of Celtics-Bulls series May 1, 2009
For good measure, he dished out 11 assists in the most startling postseason performance by a rookie since a guy named Magic Johnson lined up at center in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. MJ. Kareem. (Fox Sports)
Magic, Shaq face off in LA endorsement battle May 1, 2009
LOS ANGELES -- Magic Johnson vs. Shaquille O'Neal - a matchup basketball fans will never get to enjoy, unless they follow politics in Los Angeles. Both former Lakers greats have given star power to an otherwise obscure local election by endorsing separate candidates for Los Angeles city attorney. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Rondo and Ellsbury: Double dose of talent and flair Apr 28, 2009
"Once you get by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, Rajon Rondo has been the single biggest individual story of the NBA playoffs. People are fascinated by the 6-foot-1-inch point guard who enters tonight's Game 5 against the Bulls having averaged 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 10 assists a game in the series. Magic Johnson used to do stuff like this. Larry Bird used to do stuff like this. LeBron currently does stuff like this. Each is at least 7 inches taller and 30-80 pounds heavier (LeBron's got... (Boston Globe -- Sports)
View from Philadelphia: It was an ugly win, but Penguins' play was uglier Apr 20, 2009
There is a widespread perception that the league favors the Penguins and their marquee players, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin -- much as we suspected NBA officials of helping Magic Johnson and then Michael Jordan along in the playoffs. Timonen said Saturday that he felt the referees treat the Penguins differently during games. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
NBA Sixers stun Magic; Kobe, Lakers roll Apr 20, 2009
Bryant's total gave him 3,710 career postseason points, moving him past Magic Johnson and into ninth on the NBA's list. Nuggets 113, Hornets 84. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
