Magic Johnson Reminisces About Facing Dr. J in the 1980 NBA Finals

Magic Johnson, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, recently shared an unforgettable experience from his rookie season on the "All The Smoke" podcast with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. In a captivating segment, Johnson delved into what it was like to play against his childhood idol, Julius Erving, famously known as Dr. J, during the 1980 NBA Finals.

As a rookie, Magic Johnson was starstruck when he took the court with Dr. J, a player he had admired for years. Johnson vividly recounted two of the most memorable plays from the series that left a lasting impression on him. The first was when Dr. J cradled the ball and delivered a massive breakaway dunk over Magic's teammate, Michael Cooper. Johnson humorously described Cooper's defensive effort as a "bad business decision," highlighting the sheer dominance and athleticism of Dr. J.

The second iconic moment Johnson recalled was when Dr. J executed a breathtaking reverse layup on the baseline. According to Johnson, it was as if Dr. J defied gravity, floating through the air like Luke Skywalker. This awe-inspiring move showcased Dr. J's unparalleled skill and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Magic Johnson's admiration for Dr. J was evident as he spoke about the experience with genuine excitement and respect. He emphasized that Dr. J was performing these incredible feats long before Michael Jordan became synonymous with high-flying dunks and acrobatics. For Johnson, playing against Dr. J was not only a dream come true but also a demonstration of the incredible talent that paved the way for future generations of basketball players.

Much appreciation goes to Magic Johnson for sharing this nostalgic story, to Dr. J for revolutionizing the game, and to Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for creating a platform where such legendary tales can be told.

To witness Magic Johnson's enthusiastic recounting and to see the original footage, check out the video from @AllTheSmokeProductions.