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Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson called Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Greatest of All Time in college basketball. Abdul-Jabar responded to Johnson's praises, calling their friendship — both on and off the court — as the greatest.
Via Twitter, the two basketball (and Lakers) legends had a quick exchange. Johnson detailed Abdul-Jabbar's accomplishments in college. Back when he was known as Lew Alcindor, Abdul-Jabbar spent three years with the Bruins and guided the team to an impressive 88-2 record as well as three National Championships. In those three years in college, Abdul-Jabbar was three National Player of the Year awards and three NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
Abdul-Jabbar, being the classy guy that he is, returned the praise to Johnson.
Hey Earvin – I would have to agree as my college years were incredible but playing for The Lakers and having you as my teammate was a G.O.A.T friendship. https://t.co/aae381ixUX
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) April 1, 2020
Abdul-Jabbar won a total of six titles — five with the Lakers. And he won it with the help of Magic Johnson who quickly rose to prominence in just his first year in the league.
In Jonhson's rookie year with the Lakers, he did not just win the title, but he was also crowned Finals MVP — which makes him the only rookie to win the award as well as the youngest at 20-years-old.
With their powers combined, they led the so-called Showtime Lakers in the 1980s. Not did they pile up the titles, but they became a cultural phenomenon and was a critical part of the NBA's rise to global prominence.
Though their basketball careers are long gone and over, Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar's names always pop up whenever current and former players talk about their own Mt. Rushmore of basketball.
