Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Magic is the GOAT. That's right not Mike, not Larry the Legend, not Bill Russell...Magic!!!

He played hard every game and was the ultimate showman. Magic Johnson is arguably one of the five greatest players of all-time.

NBA's MVP. multi tasking.

Probably the most versatile player ever to run the court, Magic made me a Lakers fan in the '80s, despite being nowhere near L.A. There was no skill that he didn't master. He even stepped into Abdul-Jabbar's shoes in key situations. His multitalented play makes him the Anti-Wilt.

I've hated him since 1982. . .and he gets a free ride by the media for infecting women all over the fruited plains while in every NBA city with the black death of STD's. . .still- one of the greatest players ever. In a pinch, he could play all five positions (amazing) and could pass, shoot, defend, and score almost at will. A near perfect big-guard. And the shiny smiles and on-camera persona (to me) hide a tragic figure who believed his own invincibility. . .

Very versatile and great. He was a fun player to watch did his share of winning also.

I saw Ervin Johnson play Basketball in high school. he went to Everett and I went to Eastern. He was good even then and was making a name for himself. Also saw him play in college when he was at MSU.

The besty!

magic is my fav basket ball player

The most versatile player and the greatest Laker of all-time. Even ahead of Jerry West, George Mikan and Elgin Baylor. Magic was the key leader of the club that helped them win 5 titles in the 1980's. He wasn't Magic for nothing. If it wasn't for his ethic and positive attitude, Showtime would not have existed.

the greatest passer ranked for me number 4 all time

The greatest assist man of all time. If he hadnt contracted AIDS he would have many unbreakeable records. He was second overall only to the Micheal Jordan. If he hadnt retired early in his carrer, he might have been able to get as many champioships as the great MJ.

Magic did it all! played center in the 80's final winning MVP. Led showtime in spectacular fashion going to the finals NINE times and winning five. Only player capable of playing all five positions on the court at Hall of Fame Level.

Great Passer, great leader, overated shooter.

Magic is the best player of all-time!If he didn't pull a hamstring in the 89 finals against the pistons he would have 6 rings like Jordan. Magic made everybody better and could score as good as any guard in NBA History but was just so unselfish, he was the best passer of all-time (no offense to Stockon) and was even a better rebounder than Jordan. But Jordan did shoot way more than Magic and shoot a lower FG percentage. Magic all the way!

JohnDoeFan, bahahah. Magic is the greatest ever. 9 NBA Finals in 12 years, 5 wins, and his losses were to Dr. J, Isiah, Larry and MJ. The heart and soul of Showtime, the most exciting style of roundball ever played.

Not near as good as people think. Compared to Jordan, Bird and even Stockton... he doesn't fill the shoes. He could shoot a free throw and pass, that was it. Amongst other greats like the ones listed above -- 2 stars!

i am a celtic fan,but i have to admit magic was better than bird.magic had underrated defense.i have seing bird score 35,but the player he was defending score 40

Loved the Bird vs Magic match-ups, but I hate the Lakers

form the biggest laker fan east of the mississippi river, Magic is the best of all time. name any other player in the history of basketball who could control a game, or even a whole playoff series, without taking a shot. if there is one shot to win it all, jordan (soon to be kobe). one game, bird, but if a whole series is on the line, Magic is the player you want

most probably the greatest all around basketball player that ever live... maybe second to Jordan

although i am a celtics fan and despise the hated lakers, an argument can be made that magic was the greatest player in the history of the nba. he didn't score as much as jordan, or win as many titles as russell, but he revolutionized his position and could play anywhere on the floor.

Greatest ever!!! Better than Jordan

Greatest player of all time. Just a bit better than Bird. Too bad Jordan never met Bird or Johnson in their prime.

Who is greater than Magic. Many will say Jordan. Here is why I say Magic. He could do the one thing that no other player in NBA history could do - I repeat no other player could do, and that is go to the Hall of Fame from any position in the NBA. Sorry Bird & Jordan fans. Also, name one group of players that Jordan beat for a championship that were so great that they went on to win a championship themselves? Jordan was the best for Sports Center but Magic was simply the best.

A step below Larry, but still the best point of all time.. well except for Oscar..

the greatest player ever, he redefined the position of point guard and every other position on the court 6'9 who should have been a power foward.

The best point guard ever! He showed everyone that a guy the size of a power forward/center can pass and shoot too!

simply destined to be special. very fun to watch yet the greatest in 80's. always involve teammates in the game which makes other player good with easy basket. one of the best LAKER of all time

The best player i ever seen. No one could guard him.Not Michael Jordan, Scottie pippen or Rodman.

he truly was magic

Another one of the greats. Aside from being superb at basketball, he is a nice person. Also, he is very brave in his fight against HiV, speaking out for himself and other people infected with the disease. Very well-spoken too.

Tragic Johnson is very overrated, had Kareem, enough said...horrible shooter, good passer but he had awesome stars to pass to.

Magic was my idol when I was a teenager. He truly was magic. His behind-the-back passes, no-look passes and his behind the midcourt shots at buzzers were so awesome. His enthusiasm for the game was unrivaled and he put his teammates first -an art that is all but lost in today's era of selfish one-on-one basketball playing and stupid decision-making. The very best ever? No, Michael Jordan is, but Magic is in the top 5, without doubt. He was a true winner that played his best in the clutch in championship series. He never was exceptionally quick or athletic but at 6'9" he could not only play the point guard position but about any position. And how can one forget the Lakers 5 championship rings, which Magic was primarily responsible for? Truly magical in every way and a class act.

Magic Johnson is no Michael Jordan by athleticism, and in my opinion, anything else. Magic is great, but Jordan is outstanding. For this reason, and this reason only, speaking relatively, I rate MJ, EXCUSE ME, IJ as just good, even though he's great.

Though not as physically gifted as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, in my book, goes down as the greatest basketball player of all time. Controlled the ball better than anybody (without the carrying that is so prevalent in today's game), and ran the game like a second coach. While not possessing a Bird-like jumper, Magic's ability to hit a clutch shot during the course of a game was uncanny. Those who know basketball know that a timely 3 pointer can mean the difference in a game. His ability to incorporate all of his teammates and get the most out of them is a tribute to his unselfishness as well as his understanding of the game. He was awarded the finals MVP award his rookie year, repeating the accomplishment twice, playing all five positions (yes, even center). His versatility, knowledge, and sheer joy of playing the game really outshined his monumental accomplishments. It was the man and his approach to basketball that puts him atop the greats.

when it comes to being a point guard I was not so excellent.

A very dexterous player. A 6 foot 9 inch point guard. He was the all-time assist leader until Stockton broke his mark. Magic's diversity was great. I also have to give credit to him with an accomplishment for HIV research off the court. Over 10 years ago, he announced that he, a heterosexual, had contracted HIV. This displayed to mainstream America in the early '90s that anyone could get it, and ignorance should not be encouraged on the topic.

Either he or John Stockton are the greatest of all time.

Just listen to the name "Magic" That's his style of play.

Magic is and was a revolutionary basketball player. What point guard in the league now could guard him??? A point guard who has played every position on the court at one time or another.

Great!! Magic!!

Magic and Bird make their teammates better by their all around games and attitudes. MJ made his teammates better only by drawing the opponents defenses toward him all the time.

incredible ballhanding & passing guard. team player, heady guy w/ unbelievable talent. pretty good shooter, best point guard in NBA history. as a 6' 9" ballhandling guard w/ excellent leadership qualities Mr Johnson was almost unstoppable/ a true champion.

Duh, all these guys are great, hence the '50 Greatest'.

It's showtime. Need someone say more.