The NBA world collectively mourned the passing of NBA Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier on Tuesday. The news of his death drew an emotional message from Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson.
Lanier, 73, was already in the latter stages of his career when Magic Johnson entered the league in 1979 as the Lakers' prized first overall pick. But even in their brief intersection in the NBA, the former Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks legend clearly made an impact on Magic's career.
“I will sorely miss my good friend Bob Lanier who passed away on Tuesday,” said the Lakers icon. “Bob took an interest in my basketball career when I was at MSU & had a profound impact on me. He was always there as a sounding board & provided words of wisdom on, and off, the court. May he rest in peace!”
I will sorely miss my good friend Bob Lanier who passed away on Tuesday. Bob took an interest in my basketball career when I was at MSU & had a profound impact on me. He was always there as a sounding board &provided words of wisdom on, and off, the court. May he rest in peace!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 11, 2022
Bob Lanier was at the height of his powers as a Detroit Piston when Magic Johnson was on the rise as the charismatic star of the Michigan State Spartans. His influence made an impression on a young, developing Magic Johnson that eventually helped him become the player who turned into the face of the league in his best years with the Lakers.
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