1984 Rookie Michael Jordan First Game vs Magic Johnson & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is in the Top 3 of most NBA fans' All-Time greatest lists. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was 37 years old, at this point in time, but you'll see how dominant he still was, in 1984. Kareem was 37 years old but he was leading the 84-85 Lakers in scoring, he was 6th in the NBA in FG%, and 8th in the NBA in blocks (heading in to this game). Kareem is most well known for his sky hook. Kareem had many counters to the sky hook, including left hand sky hooks, which is a technique that he employed during this contest. Kareem was unstoppable, and he was a tactician as a scorer! (Also a student of Bruce Lee).
These early career games where Michael Jordan took less than 15 shot attempts are fair to assume were games of acclimation. Despite not being widely regarded as the most skilled group, his teammates were still professional athletes who had pride & you could see hesitation, on the court, at times, with deferring leadership to a newcomer, even one with Jordan's burgeoning reputation. So, in the initial phase of his career, Michael had to proceed with caution, especially in the delicate dynamics of team hierarchy. Even though Michael Cooper played exceptional defense against MJ, this was truly a game where Jordan focused on facilitating the play and managing the offense. He was not aggressive. Even when other players defended Jordan, he looked to run the play that was called. As a rookie, Jordan was navigating the challenge of aligning his fierce competitive nature with the collective temperament of the team. Ball movement was encouraged (30:37). He would however put his foot on the gas pedal when his team needed him most, in this contest.
Imagine, you haven't even played 20 games in the NBA & you are tasked with defending the great Magic Johnson, in Los Angeles, as a rookie! Most legends would struggle with that early task, during a rookie season. Magic Johnson was Michael Jordan's assignment for most of this contest. And despite playing more tentative (early in his rookie campaign) than he'd play throughout his career, Jordan was already Top 5 in NBA Scoring, and had a reputation as one of the game's best 4th quarter players, before even playing in his 20th game. This would be a tough challenge for Air Jordan. Michael had his work cut out for him in this road contest. The Lakers came in to this game with a 4 game win streak against the Bulls dating back to early 1982.
The Hollywood crowd would not disappoint featuring some of the most wealthy and successful people from the Los Angeles area in attendance. Jack Nicholson was of course in the crowd, as you'd expect, for this contest. But did you know, just 2 nights prior, that Jack was in attendance at the Bulls vs Clippers game on November 30, 1984 at L.A. Sports Arena? That's right, Jack was in attendance at this Lakers game, but just 2 nights prior, Jack skipped a Lakers game, to watch Jordan play against the Clippers! ( • 1984 Rookie Michael Jo... ) Jack loves his Lakers, but he was front and center to watch Michael Jordan's career from the beginning to the end. Later on in Jordan's career, Jack would later appear courtside at games in Chicago, on numerous occasions. Jack's interest in Michael Jordan wasn't mutually exclusive to him though. Although Jack attending 2 of Jordan's first 20 basketball games, courtside, is perhaps the best celebrity story from Jordan's rookie season... as stated during this broadcast, 8 out of the first 13 road games during Michael Jordan's career, sold out, in 1984, when communications were slow & methodical compared to now. Jordan's exposure to the general public had only just begun but a box office trend was developing very early on.
Could you imagine a world where Rookie Michael Jordan defeated Magic Johnson & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in their own house? MJ could.
(1984-85 Season)
TIMESTAMPS: (Go to comments for full list of timestamps)
2:14 - Game Begins
5:33 - Michael Jordan 1 v 1 drive vs Michael Cooper
7:25 - Replay of Michael Jordan's drive vs future DPOY ('87) Michael Cooper
10:48 - Michael Jordan vs Michael Cooper (draws foul on McGee, free throw)
16:08 - Jack Nicholson in the crowd
17:24 - Michael Jordan crossover & drive vs Magic Johnson
18:31 - Replay of Michael Jordan crossover vs Magic Johnson & left handed layup
20:26 - Michael Jordan steals Magic Johnson entry pass to Kareem
20:31 - Michael Jordan transition hanging bank shot
23:48 - Jordan free throws
24:08 - Michael Jordan block on Michael Cooper
26:51 - Michael Jordan fouls Kareem
31:05 - Michael Jordan free throw
31:56 - Michael Jordan breaks up Magic Johnson fast break
33:02 - Michael Jordan jumper
34:22 - Michael Jordan attempted steal called foul vs Magic Johnson
38:18 - Michael Jordan offensive rebound and tough put back shot
41:32 - Michael Jordan draws Kareem away from Dave Corzine (layup)
45:08 - Michael Jordan clutch jumper
47:12 - Michael Jordan clutch jumper
49:02 - Michael Jordan denies entry pass to Kareem
51:44 - Game ends

[@jacquelineperry8515]

Back when grown men wasn’t wearing purses to the game

[@philipmartin475]

There’s something going on in these games that’s not present today. I believe they used to call it “defense”.

[@kevinmorgan263]

Defense vs offense. What a classic balance. Today is just a game of 21x5 😢

[@brandenagee9934]

39:33 "That's because he wasn't rebounding!" Miss the intentional team work hallmarked by this era!

[@sirtainlee8725]

Back then you were allowed to put a hand on the offense player, with or without the ball. That hand could turn into a "lean against" or even a grab if the refs were lenient. That made it harder for the defense to get the jump on you, and made it easier to defend. Basketball was a contact sport. The rules have changed, mostly to match the international game which dictated the Olympic game rules, so the NBA changed.

[@Ambassador_Network_TV]

Actually it’s just bad offense, makes it easier to play defense against

[@younglionel88]

​@@Ambassador_Network_TVi can tell you aint never balled before when defense is good offensive is hard when defense is bad offensive is easy common sense aint common

[@joselitotablizo7932]

For me it's MJ GOAT OF ALL TIME

[@gibsonabenaab8385]

Jordan playing like he from the future.His ball control was so different from everyone else on the court🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@markfrost2707]

they way he flowed

[@bangswift]

These old school games are way better than todays boring games

[@fivepercent7096]

I was at this game, I remember how fast Jordan was.

[@Aqeel317]

WOW! That's what's up, I know that it was a great experience.

[@oneday5572]

I want all his haters to look at this roster and tell me how MJ was supposed to win a championship with this team!!

[@emededambriz6217]

This was a special moment in basketball but at the time the people that were there didn’t realize that they were seeing something special. The past (Kareem) and present (Magic) vs the future (Jordan). No one could imagine how great Jordan would become.

[@jamesratliff1803]

I have watched a lot of interviews of Bird, Magic, and a few others speaking about the first time they saw Jordan or Jordan's first few years in the league. Just like LeBron being called the next Magic by Dick Vitale, Jordan was talked about by analysts, coaches and players in his first year even before he walked on the court in a Bulls jersey. That McDonald's game Isiah Thomas got upset and that sort of started the bad blood between he and Jordan. Even in this game the announcer talks about how the Sam Bowie pick over Jordan was a huge misstep and how the Bulls were thanking their lucky stars that they had landed Jordan and how Portland had dropped the ball. He tries to be polite about it but he says starting at 7:22 and going through about 8:30 that Jordan is an amazing talent and that the head coach must be thanking Portland for taking Bowie and leaving Jordan undrafted. Nike signed Jordan to the most lucrative endorsement in history before he ever played a game in the league and paid his fines for wearing their shoe until the league stopped fining him.

[@4130aykut]

Yeah man indeed. Great names in their very Virginity:-)))

[@eyalganz9783]

Rookie jordan averaged 29 a game !!! I think they knew he's no ordinary baller . Also don't forget magic was 24 and michael was 21 , both very young , even if magic already achieved a lot .

[@fabianpelaez2837]

With all due respect, KAJ was the present until the last second of his last game.

[@kevinalbertassi3580]

I agree with everything except I think players like majic and bird knew exactly what was coming it what they both worked so hard for and they got to see it take shape in jordan

[@madcapper6]

Interesting thing is, Jordan was, in my opinion, the best player in the league long before the Bulls started winning championships. The best years of his career were the 4 seasons prior to the championship era when he put up averages of 34.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3 steals and shot an insane (for a SG) .519 from the floor while winning 4x scoring titles, 4x all NBA first team awards, 3x all defensive first team awards, 2x steals titles and a league MVP.. The common misconception among many NBA fans is that during those years he was "still learning how to win." I say nonsense to that. He already knew how to win, and he already had the off the charts determination. What he didn't have yet was a team around him to contend. Once that happened, he put the league on lockdown for the better part of a decade.

[@lennatics268]

You said that well, your comment deserves more like

[@rond3238]

You're right. Jordan almost single-handedly led the Bulls to the 1989 Conference Finals as a low seed in the East. That was one of his greatest early accomplishments. And they took 2 games from the Pistons who were just reaching the height of their powers.

[@jonathank786]

Yep was a scoring machine since day one

[@shreyrai6701]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@RightInFrontOfYou]

A rookie MJ guarding Magic the whole game.

[@melosgames]

Congrats Michael Jordan. Watching from 2024

[@US_ARMY_25_INF._DIV.]

holy cow.....u do not have 5 guys shooting 3 s all night....miss my 80 s b ball....

[@Trupp42]

151% in agreement !!!!

[@trollpolice]

MJ took the task of defending Magic then on the other side was guarded by Michael Cooper, Jordan was something else and all this in his rookie yr. #GOAT

[@rafaelraad555]

What a beautiful display of a game of basketball it was this game. I like modern NBA, but I really miss the 1980's early 90's basketball.

[@fabianpelaez2837]

Agree totally

[@emacthawurdsmith]

yes i love these eras of basketball much more then this modern era

[@TheBlkac1]

It's fantastic!!!!😃👍🏿

[@SmokeDog1871]

Its all become so much more corporatized now, felt more genuine back in the day. Was a great time to be a fan

[@user-dk8bf3us1w]

yes, I agree I am 45 years old and I also like the current NBA, what you wrote is wise, yes we must recognize and appreciate the evolution of the game, the eras are different, MJ has understood this, what matters to him is the love of the game and competition above all

[@jimhallal2513]

1. Kareem was amazing at 37. Unparalleled footwork and the ability to really produce at the free throw line. 2. How beautiful the game is when every second shot isn't a 3 pointer. A really good flow to the game, especially when guys prioritized cutting to the basket. 3. Magic's ability to distribute the ball was incredible. 4. Jordan's skill set was evident even 18 games into his career. 5. Orlando Wooldridge played like a man barely on the edge of control. 6. It's crazy how weak the early Bulls lineups were around Jordan. Outside of Woolridge, I don't think they had anyone who would even be in a starting lineup elsewhere in the league at that time. 7. Anjelica Houston was hot.

[@akali2020]

That sky hook is sick

[@teemiti7679]

Y’all were right. I can’t see a lot of dudes in today’s league actually putting effort on defense like this.

[@hainavidotcom]

and the crazy thing is this game is mediocre defensively compared to the Boston, Sixers, Pistons and Knicks then later on the Heat. Even the Bucks were tough in the 80s.

[@Hunty49]

Seems like the full court press was the norm. The ball carrier has pressure the whole way.

[@2822MJ]

In my opinion, you have three of the top five greatest NBA players of all time playing in this game.

[@jamesratliff1803]

Agreed.

[@Godshonestruth]

With ya. Kareem didnt get enough love bc he was an outspoken black man at that time.

[@Wardfolio]

I agree!

[@BooBooDaFoo330]

Magic isn’t top 5, top 10 for sure though.

[@AmericanMuscle69]

Wtf are you saying?! Kareem got more love than any white athlete in nba history! Don't put race on it! Maybe he said things that were controversial to Americans! He's a Muslim, ya know! That's like living in Iran as a Christian and people giving the Christian a hard time for speaking bad about Iran! Kareem did just that. Lives in America a Christian nation talking bad about our country!!!

[@brookelynn4149]

I'm going to tell my grandkids this was MJ in his first game ever against Magic, Kareem, McAdoo, Cooper, Scott, and he won, with that travesty of a roster. Unbelievable! Certified Goat

[@abevillanueva1974]

Boy, Lakers were a stacked team!! Thanks for sharing, real basketball where no one took a 3 pointer!! TEAM ball!

[@oscarfairley6600]

And remember James Worthy was injured.

[@docallen2796]

Celtics too

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

This Laker team was unstoppable! Kareem, Magic, Cooper, Worthy, McAdoo, B Scott. And Rookie MJ in only his 18th game putting on an aerial assult. While having to contend with one of the greatest perimeter defenders in Michael Cooper. What a great time for basketball

[@Pronzini1]

and Kurt Rambis who rebounded much better than Spriggs

[@hasanmuhammad3916]

Orlando playing with Mike he had a good career shoot they all had good careers with the exception of a few

[@rashadwilliams3691]

Did my Lakers have a superteam back then haters???

[@daddy152]

@@rashadwilliams3691hell yeah are you serious? They are loaded here and don’t forget they got Worthy too on this team

[@do_notknow_much]

Finally broke the Celtics Curse!!! Chick Hearn could die a happy man.

[@vl4581]

I know I'm bias but I can't watch current games all the way through and I can't stop watching this one. It's not just Jordan (which is amazing) It's Magic, Kareem and the chess match.

[@iglesiasmarco]

I had the same experience. It's so addicting.

[@Fireslanga1]

I can't watch em either. Gotta watch college or sum

[@anyright8683]

I can't either

[@DoctorPlay]

These early games of Mike are so special. Thank you for these.

[@dapper892]

For real. Chicago born raised, saw it all. In some ways the journey (84-90) was more fun than the destination (91-98). He was so f’n electric in the 80s. Watching him go against those legends and slowly improve each year was incredible.

[@walterlahaye2128]

The 3 point shot cheapened the game, and cheapened the players from 1980, and following!

[@smithfan22]

18 games into the season and even the commentators knew Portland messed up by passing on MJ

[@rodvia007]

Team basketball, defense and Nobody Shooting A Thousand Threes Is Real Basketball 👍👏

[@trustmeo7]

Wow Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was already in his 16th season in 1984 and retired after the 1989 season which means he played 21 seasons in the NBA

[@christschool]

Kareem was so damn good, and he was 37 years old in this game!

[@rond3238]

I agree. I saw this era of the NBA, and I still forgot how good Kareem was.

[@shawtyrone4207]

Kareem the true GOAT for real but because he was so fundamental it wasn’t exciting to watch. That’s why MJ took off the way it did and thats why when you think of the showtime Lakers you picture Magic 1st. He was the most entertaining player to watch and he also was hella dominant. I wish the NBA was more like this

[@granardgroup6315]

38, making 39 one month later...

[@AmericanMuscle69]

God damn he was old back then! I never realized how old he was.

[@moneyman4740]

@@granardgroup6315not in 84 , he was 41 in 89 wen he retired

[@TheRedBaron2004]

Man, this Jordan guy seems like a pretty good basketball player, I reckon that he could win a championship or two soon!

[@NextGenAvatar]

Kareem still had it. The best scorer on the Showtime Lakers until he was 39. Unbeatable longevity.

[@lobstercrostini]

Idk about unbeatable lol

[@geert574]

o no you aroused the bronsexuals

[@hanestshirtsarecool]

🍔🍟

[@skyh2394]

Magic was a better scorer since 85-86. Putting almost the same PPG or more while also giving +10 APG

[@shkim3and]

Legendary. MJ, Magic and Kareem on the same floor.

[@robk5745]

The feel these guys have, the style, everything’s so smooth. Peak basketball here, could watch this all day

[@RealzFoSho]

Immediately, you know you are going back in time with the player introductions. Back in the day when the lights stayed on, there wasn't any music, and a guy read a list of names in an almost monotone voice. It is amazing how much the show and spectacle has changed over the years.

[@spurnd]

Yes, it was weird not hearing, "and from North CAROLINA!"

[@ChonkySlotDonkey]

AWESOME!! It's cool that MJ's 1st ring was vs this team 7 years later!

[@ChrisSmith-ec6qp]

The commentators are so hyped for Micheal, and he hasn't yet become the Air Jordan we all knew and loved. Seeing prime Micheal dominate this game would very wild. Lots of interesting context seeing this with our knowledge of the "future". Thanks for posting.

[@innosanto]

Prime Jordan was already then

[@user-kc3ih5sp3j]

Kareem 33 and Jordan 23 my two favorite NBA basketball players of all time 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jiiig8667]

I luv the old announcers. Just sauced up saying whatever comes into their heads. 😂😂

[@sunnydogsydney]

A Rookie MJ with a thin roster of role players beat the Showtime Lakers, with all their depth. Incredible.

[@SmilingDessert-cn1cr]

I love how the game does not stop at the 3 point line

[@triggerman1092]

Its unreal how big and strong magic is

[@gavinoctavien1400]

It’s unreal how great rookie MJ was

[@innosanto]

@@gavinoctavien1400MJ was great since before NBA. His best season ever individually was in 1980s

[@LungMing23]

Right off the bat you gotta appreciate rookie shooting guard Jordan committing to guarding Magic at point guard with no fear. Magic was the best in the league at this time. 6 years later these two met in the Finals. Good ole days.

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

Coaches could actually tell people what to do back then

[@abronlattieriii2141]

Exactly, yet you'll hear MJ played against plumbers and never guarded opposing great players.

[@banesbox]

The 84 Lakers were playing like the 97 Bulls. What an all around solid team.

[@maurecemoses9441]

As a Rookie MJ started off GUARDING MAGIC OUT THE GATES something nobody wants to point out 🤦🤦🤦🤦

[@nobodysbusiness7866]

🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@venomj8179]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was literally a cheat code lol

[@TMPOUZI]

So much better than today's NBA. Offencive tactics and team defence, just real basketball

[@silenciothequiet3471]

Thank you! This game is like a time capsule: the skillset, ball movement, Kareem skyhook, young Mike and Magic, Nicholson already sick of Anjelica Huston, coaches dressed like school principals except for Riley ofc....

[@bokiNYC]

Ah, you are 100% right, good old times! 👍

[@reynaldomacahilas3072]

Kareem with that Skyhook was just money that shot of his was unstoppable

[@jaysonb.6669]

Wilt could block it

[@jonathank786]

So satisfying to watch

[@skyh2394]

@@jaysonb.6669Silt blocked twice of the fifty times Kareem took it on him.

[@Aqeel317]

WOW!! I never knew that Sam Bowie was chosen 2nd over Jordan. I wonder if Portland felt disappointed about their decision.....

[@DaveDickey-rm7dz]

It was magic and mj that got me hooked on basketball. Kareem, bird , malone , Stockton .... Thanks for the memories guys

[@vincespell]

PEOPLE KEEP SAYING "YEAH BUT HE DIDN'T BEAT LARRY" WELL, HE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO! THE CELTICS WON THE TITLE IN JORDAN'S ROOKIE YEAR AND THEN THE NEXT YEAR WHEN THEY WERE SWEPT BY THE CELTICS, THE CELTICS WERE THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS! MIKE AND HIS TEAM HAD NOT REACHED CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL AND THEY WEREN'T GOING TO DO IT WITH KEVIN LOUGHREY AS THE COACH

[@DRob_22]

Real basketball, played by men. I don’t know why people looked so much older then at the same age as they do now. I think a lot of that is the way they all carried themselves.

[@mrfatuchi]

Haha you noticed huh? I have been saying it for the past 5+ years... Its testosterone. The levels have dropped 30% in last 30 years. Just look at actors and athletes pre 2000s, they all look much more manly.

[@DRob_22]

@@mrfatuchi You’re not wrong. It’s in the food and water.

[@georgemallory797]

Love seeing these Lakers and Magic in their prime.

[@kasoytv2218]

Sky hook of jabar is sweet work of Art❤❤❤

[@BlitzSportsNetwork]

TIMESTAMPS: 2:14 - Game Begins 2:43 - Magic Johnson alley-oop to Michael Cooper dunk 4:15 - Michael Cooper blocks Orlando Woolridge 5:07 - Mike McGee post-up 5:20 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hook shot 5:33 - Michael Jordan 1 v 1 drive vs Michael Cooper 7:25 - Replay of Michael Jordan's drive vs future DPOY ('87) Michael Cooper 9:18 - Kareem assist to Mike McGee 9:42 - Kareem assist to Michael Cooper jumper 10:01 - Kareem blocks Orlando Woolridge (Magic foul) 10:40 - Mike McGee jumper 10:48 - Michael Jordan vs Michael Cooper (draws foul on McGee, free throw) 11:37 - Mike McGee jumper 11:54 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar post-up jumper vs Triple Team 12:17 - Michael Cooper pull up jumper 12:25 - Kareem assist to Byron Scott layup 12:53 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left handed sky hook 13:52 - Magic Johnson tough inside bucket and 1 14:20 - Magic Johnson assist to Byron Scott jumper 14:33 - Kurt Rambis hustle play save 14:45 - Magic Johnson no-look pass to Kurt Rambis behind the back assist to Bob McAdoo 16:08 - Jack Nicholson in the crowd 16:54 - Byron Scott jumper 17:03 - Magic Johnson assit to Jamaal Wilkes 17:24 - Michael Jordan crossover & drive vs Magic Johnson 17:34 - Byron Scott jumper 17:42 - Magic Johnson steal & breakaway dunk 18:31 - Replay of Michael Jordan crossover vs Magic Johnson & left handed layup 19:01 - Replay of Magic Johnson steal & breakaway dunk 20:26 - Michael Jordan steals Magic Johnson entry pass to Kareem 20:31 - Michael Jordan transition hanging bank shot 21:02 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar left handed hook shot 21:24 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blocks Michael Jordan layup attempt (foul on McAdoo) 22:20 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blocks Orlando Woolridge 22:30 - 37 year old Kareem quick baseline move (fouled) 23:48 - Michael Jordan free throws 24:08 - Michael Jordan block on Michael Cooper 24:39 - Pat Riley technical foul 26:14 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sky hook 26:51 - Michael Jordan fouls Kareem 27:34 - Byron Scott jumper 27:42 - Magic Johnson transition layup 27:58 - Magic Johnson no look assist to Michael Cooper layup 29:47 - Byron Scott jumper 29:54 - Michael Cooper dives on the floor 31:05 - Michael Jordan free throw 31:12 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dunk on Caldwell Jones, and 1 31:56 - Michael Jordan breaks up Magic Johnson fast break 32:27 - Michael Cooper blocks Michael Jordan & save 33:02 - Michael Jordan jumper 34:22 - Michael Jordan attempted steal called foul vs Magic Johnson 34:58 - Kareem blocks Dave Corzine 36:10 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sky hook 37:56 - Magic Johnson assist to Kurt Rambis 38:18 - Michael Jordan offensive rebound and tough put back shot 38:38 - Bob McAdoo turnaround jumper 39:55 - Bob McAdoo dunk 40:45 - Magic Johnson draws foul on Dave Greenwood (Michael Jordan block) 41:20 - Magic Johnson second effort bucket 41:32 - Michael Jordan draws Kareem away from Dave Corzine (layup) 41:53 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sky hook 42:17 - Kareem blocks Greenwood 42:20 - Magic Johnson assist to Byron Scott dunk near Jordan 43:19 - Dancing Barry & his Frog 44:55 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finger roll scoop layup 45:08 - Michael Jordan clutch jumper 45:56 - Replay of Kareem scoop layup 46:21 - Kareem hook shot 46:38 - Bob McAdoo layup 47:02 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar clutch hook shot 47:12 - Michael Jordan clutch jumper 48:25 - Dancing Barry in the crowd 49:02 - Michael Jordan denies entry pass to Kareem 51:44 - Game ends

[@dramachines]

kareem's hook shot is just nearly unstoppable

[@hardwoodgems]

Sweet job!

[@themoneymaker03]

Thanks!!!

[@franckvaysse8732]

Such a job, thanks

[@PerfectlyFreedom]

What a blissful comment, thankyou

[@xGvPTVx]

That Kareem finger roll was too much, what a legend.

[@charlitoadams777]

Kareem with that skyhook was unstoppable 😂 . Too unfair.

[@kennethmckee2351]

I rather watch these games rather than today's game

[@K31011]

Back when we were blessed thinking Magic,Karren and Jordon playing was just another night in the NBA

[@adanarreola7999]

The GOAT at his PRIME. Jordan made the game look so easy. Too smooth. MJ23: THE BEST OFF ALL TIME

[@Hopealliswell6054]

This was far from his prime. This is his rookie season.

[@m42037]

His prime 😅😅 10 years later was his prime

[@GQguy24]

@@m42037well 10 years later in 1994 he was actually playing baseball 😂😉

[@tankertuff278]

The greatest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@m42037]

@@GQguy24 Oh please my son is also "literal minded" 😩

[@RomansapienMVision]

This Lakers will EASILY beat the current Lakers now.

[@linusboyz]

the roar at an away arena when they announced rookie MJ was amazing

[@robhughes8198]

When Magic looking over his shoulder on the sides, you know he’s looking for that over head pass and nobody puts their hands in anticipation if at least just to make it harder. Baffling Thanks for the upload

[@Madskillsuniversity]

The good old days of hooping. Love it!

[@joeg9766]

Thanks for the memories!! I was a child watching this live and I still remember these games very well !! Keep the old videos coming

[@AJ11OH-IO]

2 months into the season and the commentators are all in on MJ. I wasn't around then but they clearly knew he should have been 1 or at least behind Hakeem.

[@russellmurdock198]

Two words SKY HOOK!!!! The most unstoppable shot hidden by flashiness😢

[@AmericanMuscle69]

Wilt was the only player to block it. But Kareem matched up with Wilt later in wilts' career. Imagine prime Wilt vs. prime Kareem? I think Kareem joined the nba 10 years after Wilt. 1959 was wilts rook season. 1969 was Kareems.

[@theodoreharris993]

ONE OF THE GREATEST THROW BACKS IN THE NBA FOR ME I THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GAME #23 JORDAN ROOKIE SEASON.

[@aidanfox8219]

Mike was just a pup during his rookie year.

[@hastensavoir7782]

0:07- 0:12 Chills that reminded me of the top 75 players introduction applause. The Opposing home crowd actually were excited about the rookie MJ 😳

[@coreyrowe4119]

The current dynasty of the 80s meets the future dynasty of the 90s.

[@nunyabusiness7927]

I almost forgot how good of a passer Magic Johnson was.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Really? Ur being sarcastic right

[@johnnyhammer]

You forgot what made Magic famous, and pretty much all he is known for?

[@nunyabusiness7927]

@@johnnyhammer Of course I know that Magic is known for his great passing but seeing it in the context of an actual game is different than seeing the same highlights I've seen a thousand times over the past 25 years.

[@roedentioquinte1847]

​@@nunyabusiness7927supper true..hahaha

[@oscarfairley6600]

How you can forget that ?

[@obirato]

thanks for the upload, man. Great game. I am a MJ fan, but can't help admiring the amazing team Lakers had by that time and the plays the made.

[@mr_knowitall]

18 games into MJ' s career and just listen to how they gush over him.

[@allupinthere1]

That was one heck of a game. Possibly the only KZbin posting that compells you to watch one video for close to an hour!

[@zonaldzeus2062]

What a legendary game ! the top 3 GOAT of NBA in a single game , can you imagine if Lebron and Kobe exist in this era !! 1. Michael Jordan 2. Magic Johnson 3. Kareem Abdul Jabbar

[@thecliffold5879]

Its nice to see real basketball after watching today NBA 3 point shootout. Thank you for posting this.

[@m.l.9199]

What a great game. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Everybody who loves MJ want to see his early years but the games are very rare to see on KZbin and if the quality is really bad. The quality of your video is great, better then some 90s videos.😀

[@user-bk7ei8zm5w]

mj didnt care about stats, he only cared about wining.

[@tm75_88]

What a good basketball was back in those days ..... All the roles defined, playing as a whole team every single possession, in both ends of the court. That is basketball. You can notice the intensity of the defenses. And how good were those Lakers .... Michael seemed still suffer their charisma, even if doing already something good

[@aquarpioleonine3995]

Awesome upload. I loved 80-90's basketball I miss it. These bring back lots of childhood memories

[@samo2010magik]

Defense ... such a joy.

[@Rico-ow3ys]

Wow. I was at that game, the Fabulous Forum. Jordan put on a show during warmups. I should have kept my ticket.

[@judahisrisingyahschosen9481]

Damn MJ got applause from laker nation..

[@ruminator3570]

If you want to call 80s basketball fans old heads because they appreciate the work of magic and Kareem that's one thing. You could hit a thousand three-point shots in a game and it's still not as fun to watch has Kareem Magic Bird and Jordan. It doesn't matter what science or analytics or training or equipment or diet you give today's players. The game today just seems too one dimensional. It's also lacking firey passion.

[@eduardmesinaiii7388]

Man MJ's job in this game is too exhausting, he's been guarded by Cooper who is one the best wing defenders probably in nba history then he has to guard Magic because Bulls point guards are much smaller than Magic he will post em up every offensive possession.

[@goddycarino6747]

And Dr.J

[@ruminator3570]

Indeed. The first marketable Superstar. Russell and Wilt were the soil Kareem and Julius were the seed bird and magic were the plant. Michael was the flower. Everyone after that was the pollen from that flower.

[@hainavidotcom]

@@ruminator3570Mj was the garden, the jungle, the forest, the seaweed, the photosynthesis, the greenhouse effect all of it. Then the post-NBA added al little, and now it's like an asteroid hit the surface and burned everything to rubbish with all of that woke-entitlement-era bs.

[@southpaw788]

Back when defense existed.

[@vinsonfamilycollectibles8213]

Da old Bulls... Just think "cash registers are ringing" and MJ had just gotten into the league. I love the Laker fans gave MJ big props, and O his due, and was quiet on the lesser-known Bulls. Simple names for the intros, no lights, sound effect. Sports fans (at least old ones like me) appreciate these old clips of real action.

[@oscarfairley6600]

I remember MJ first couple of seasons. He was the biggest attraction in the league, in every city. And that was before the team was any hood.

[@calronske1853]

Astute observation my friend! Nowadays, the pre & post are everything. Ridiculous intros, football has halftime concerts, charging the court or field for regular season games, etc. The game itself is secondary.

[@seanmanning652]

I was there. I remember one baseline dunk that was very impressive. I was 23. Barkley's debut was equally impressive.

[@Starlesslight]

Remember when teams fought for rebounds and didn't just throw the ball up for the shot and start running back across court without even watching to see if it went in?

[@nbagoats4819]

And they criticize MJ for not winning a title his first couple years with this bunch? He was lucky to make the playoffs.

[@pickle_soup160]

Man, I miss Bulls player intros at the Stadium. I am going to watch it now.

[@blackjesus6433]

LA fans loved MJ 😂 🙏🏾

[@EarthWindandFirepower0990]

AT 60 YEARS NOW,WITH KAREEM BEING MY FAVORITE SPORTS PERSON TILL I DIE AND THE LAKERS BEING THE TEAM I LOVE TO CHEER FOR AND I GUESS I'LL MENTION MICHAEL,LOL,THIS WAS A TREAT FOR ME TO WATCH.THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO BSN.GOD BLESS

[@AlphaTiger4]

These are real players not complaining like lebum and cry Paul 👏

[@MotivationSportPodcast]

*This video is pure motivation! I needed this boost to kickstart my day and tackle my goals head-on. Thank you for the inspiration!*

[@freeze9000]

THANK YOU!! This is awesome to watch actual game footage rather than the same highlights. ❤❤❤❤💯💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Will-wk7yb]

The 1980''s NBA was one hell of an era

[@mobileexperttyson5243]

Has anyone looked at young Jordan and looked at Anthony Edwards 👀 Jordan was in Atlanta getting some lemon pepper wings 😂

[@schwarzesonnehyperboreas1987]

Who is that rookie in red with the 23 jersey? Seems to be a pretty talented guy😁

[@psychedelichurricane2508]

I absolutely love watching old nba games

[@marblox9300]

Kareem is actually an airline pilot too.

[@jamesgarley4728]

The simplicity of starters being introduced.. miss those days.