Image Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson Names His NBA GOAT List, Shocks Fans by Leaving Out Fellow Lakers Legend

Lakers legend names his all-time basketball greats

Image Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The NBA’s ongoing GOAT debate gained new traction when Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson revealed his personal choices during an All Access event at Dodger Stadium. While many expected Johnson to show loyalty to his longtime teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, his remarks took a surprising turn.

“I would have to say Michael (Jordan). We haven’t seen anybody do the things that Michael could do. And he was physically so gifted at the same time, smart,” Johnson said when asked about the greatest of all time. “And then I think that we have two other Lakers following him right after that, and that would be LeBron (James) and Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar).”

Magic Johnson on the GOAT:

“It would have to be Michael Jordan. Then LeBron and Kareem.” pic.twitter.com/Hfm8UB2ef3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 2, 2025

The decision surprised Lakers fans, as Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar formed one of the most dominant partnerships in league history. Together, the duo powered the Lakers to multiple NBA championships and showcased a brand of basketball that defined the Showtime era. Despite that shared success, Johnson still placed Michael Jordan above both Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.

Not stopping there, Johnson extended his list beyond Lakers greats. “I would say, and then you got to throw Bill Russell in there because 11 championships, you can’t deny that… When a man wins that many World Championship rings, he’s got to be in the GOAT conversation. No question about it.”

Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls Tenure Keeps Him Top in the List

Jordan’s unmatched presence in the GOAT conversation stems not only from six championships with the Chicago Bulls, but also from the unforgettable skill and flair he brought to the game. Even Magic Johnson, who battled against him on the biggest stage, recalled a striking moment.

“I still remember that shot that he did against us in ’91, when he went up with the right hand, tongue out, and we went for it. So he watched us go down, switched the ball from his right to the left, tongue went left, and he spun it against the glass and good. Still the greatest shot I’ve ever seen,” Johnson said.