Magic Johnson on Michael Jordan Telling Him to Retire, Kershaw Getting Pulled & New Documentary

Magic talks about his documentary “They Call Me Magic” on Apple TV+, being Kareem’s rookie and having to do everything for him, signing a contract in 1984 for 1 million dollars a year for 25 years, going out to night clubs with Jerry Buss, a Camay commercial that had a big impact on him, his friendship with Isiah Thomas, returning to basketball after finding out he had HIV, Michael Jordan telling him that he should retire, and as co-owner of the Dodgers he comments on Clayton Kershaw being pulled from a potential perfect game.
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Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy®-nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is well known for its huge viral video successes, with over 11 billion views and more than 15 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include “Celebrities Read Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” “Unnecessary Censorship,” “Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge,” and music videos like “I (Wanna) Channing All Over Your Tatum.”

[@SKtube0]

This man is the true king of LA. I met him once as he was walking into a Starbucks in West Hollywood and I asked how he was and the man actually took time to chat with my friend and I and asked up how we were doing. I don't get how anybody could dislike this guy.

[@yeti9268]

Everybody wants a bit of magic 😏

[@cyberbron2077]

He's such a positive guy.

[@jackkerouac6186]

Good man with a big ❤️. It's no wonder he had so many lovers

[@DucatiPaso750]

Same here. I've met him twice and he was amazingly nice both times. He greatly appreciates his fans. He was my hero during my teen years.

[@jackharbinger8481]

@@cyberbron2077 positive in what? Hahaha

[@joshuagarcia662]

Nobody has ever truly lived up to a name like Ervin “MAGIC” Johnson…. He’s just that cool of a guy

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@dagameplayer]

Yeah. They called him Tragic for a while too after a certain loss, but then all that went away just like Magic when he came back strong.

[@teng029]

I don't think there is a more charismatic person than Magic Johnson. My all-time favorite player and a hell of a storyteller..

[@Eljesusdelabiblia]

He’s an incredible person. Athletes make humans look good.

[@222wakeke]

Michael Jordan

[@bphlatsax75]

Love listening to his stories! They are the best!

[@M2a3i]

I can’t help, but smile- He laughs so much in this interview- He’s having so much fun

[@gsw6456]

Random thought: Magic Johnson and Terry Crews hanging out together would be complete hilariousness and positivity.

[@anibalvalente3017]

I'm glad Jimmy is having fun, i don't get the humor, maybe i should start smoking weed like Jimmy..... Jimmy does a funny great 8 minute short manalogue n that's it.

[@fezzik7619]

@@anibalvalente3017 *monologue*

[@fudgematthew33]

Why not? It's fun being Magic.

[@RoChede]

It's IMPOSSIBLE to NOT love this man. Magic Johnson is such an amazing human being.People were falling in love with him since his college days. One of the most carismatic people ever. And the JOY he has in his life.Poor HIV, that virus never had a chance to beat THAT guy.

[@ItzBundz]

Well my dad was a Celtics fan in the 80s so it’s definitely possible😂

[@1destinyslegacy]

@@ItzBundz I know Celtics fans that love Magic...and as a Laker fan...I love Bird...

[@benb.1114]

And I don't know man. There's something in his eyes that just kinda spews kindness or joy or both. Usually when I notice captivating eyes, it's usually due to a physical attribute (i.e. the color of the eyes is unique, or the shape/lashes are gorgeous) but for Magic's eyes - it just kinda make you feel kindness in it. I can't explain it lol but I hope nothing but the best for this man! We'd be frkn lucky if we'd get half as charismatic as he is.

[@Ivantheterrible81280]

Not with his money, no.

[@stealthattack2209]

@@ItzBundz lol

[@Jim_L]

This interview is right up Jimmy's alley. He just LOVES the NBA, and you can easily tell from this interaction with Magic. 😀

[@orthotech9758]

Jimmy is a huge Lakers fan. That's why Kobe and Magic made so many appearances on the show.

[@deanrivera9068]

He didn’t know magic played against larry bird. Fake fan.

[@Jim_L]

@@deanrivera9068 Are you just trolling, Dean? Because, uhm, that comment by Jimmy was a joke. Of course he knows the two played against one another.

[@AA-RON706]

He can't love the NBA if he didn't know Bird goes with Magic...from the start. 😁

[@Miles_305]

@@deanrivera9068 bruh🤦🏿‍♂️

[@rchuckins]

What is sometimes overlooked about Magic Johnson is how well adjusted and purposeful he's become in his post-playing career. Not the usual path for most athletes (especially the true greats) once they retire. He gets it and seems to be thriving as much as he ever did--pretty amazing. Not only was he my favorite player growing up but I respect him tremendously as an adult now.

[@RizkymArifin]

Earvin Johnson Has a Great laugh ever. Damn, he is so humble at all.

[@Eljesusdelabiblia]

He is, and also incredible smart. The way he defended Michael Jordan was outstanding. Magic is a good friend. 👏🏻🧠

[@FrancisKiki]

For me Bill Russel laugh it's so contagious.

[@0515rnein]

Great interview. Magic a down to earth person. Shows that a great sportsman does not need to be arrogant or selfish.

[@fomofud9479]

During his career he was arrogant and selfish as you have to have that attitudeto be the best. After his career he has shown himself to be incredibly humble.

[@0515rnein]

@@fomofud9479 Michael Jordan Said Magic Johnson Was the Most ‘Unselfish Player’ in NBA History

[@fomofud9479]

@@0515rnein that's not what his team mates thought. As a rookie he was hated by team mates.

[@Amick44]

@@fomofud9479 probably more the noteriety and contract. I'm sure they appreciated how he lifted them to greater success and the title.

[@markmac2206]

@@fomofud9479 maybe selfish is the wrong word to use with a man that had the 2nd most assists in history.

[@davidcheng88]

Grew up with Magic's Showtime Lakers. Thank you Magic for the great childhood memories. Back in the days superstars stays with one team, and we as fans really get attached personally to the players and the team.

[@viliuspurtulis9196]

He always so lovable , you just can't smile along him. I wish you to live till 100 and keep bringing that cheer . Nothing but love

[@davidedelman4536]

Legend! I met him back at a charity event back In the day and he signed my card and it was my birthday that day and he said happy birthday!

[@Kristalaurene]

Hes so charismatic and magnetic. Great personality and smile. You just get drawn right to him

[@cactusjack2264]

Magic may not be a fan of Winning Time(for good reason) but that show made me even more interested in Magic Johnson. I now find myself checking out Magic documentaries, highlights and this interview.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆

[@dexholland5324]

Same here man

[@matheusmoraes6252]

freaking good show

[@salmanahjum-mathee9055]

Is Winning Time not a particularly good docu series?

[@cyberbron2077]

I worked for mandalay sports at the venue where the dayton dragons minor league baseball team plays Magic Johnson owned the team at the time so I've had the pleasure of meeting him many times he was my idol growing up in the '80s now as an adult seeing not only what he did on the court but what he has accomplished in his personal life makes him a great role model even today

[@7thDayAdventures]

We all need heroes. It's amazing when they live up to our expectations.

[@ishmoose1]

I’m from Dayton and never knew that he owned it at one point. How cool

[@b9479]

Was he a nice guy In person

[@soul2squeezy439]

Greatest Point Guard of All Time, with all due respect.

[@squadric7722]

That´s Steph...

[@miltongarcia5637]

@@squadric7722 Steph is just a better shooter but pure point guard? Thats Magic.

[@soul2squeezy439]

@CTOP Gotta remind the young guys so they won't say crazy stuff like Stephen Curry with all due respect.

[@tats_sacs]

@@soul2squeezy439 are you kidding? Do you really think somebody crazy enough to think curry is as good as Magic? That would be insane!

[@Eljesusdelabiblia]

Michael Jordan said it in his documentary, he’s the greatest point guard of all times. It must be incredible to see a poker game between this two.

[@awill891]

He always make me smile! Easy to love the guy.

[@jerseywalcott6408]

My son was working at a Jamba Juice in LA a few years ago and had the pleasure of filling Magic’s juice order. H sent me a picture minutes later and was thrilled. They had a nice conversation. He is Mr. LA.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆👆

[@workingtoseethelight8244]

You truly inspired me, I met you in a movie theater parking lot 30 years ago Magic. And I think you shared a little of your magic with me... Bless you and you greatness!

[@mrrobot8973]

I wish I was as happy as this man. What a likable dude

[@styner3]

I’m the same age as Magic and the drinking age was still 18 when he was drafted, it didn’t change to 21 until after he/I turned 21. I was going to nightclubs legally as a high school senior at 18.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@limw79]

I am a big big fan of Michael Jordan. The best, the beast, the GOAT. But i love so much that guy. He's simply Magic.

[@moon.mp3201]

Can’t wait to watch this new documentary. Magic can’t stand “Winning Time,” but I absolutely love it. 🤣🤣

[@nikolaipersad4098]

This!!

[@madicelander]

lol, same here. I know they say they way over exaggerate a lot of the characters, but so many of the events they depict actually really happened, and it's super entertaining. Wonder if maybe some of them don't wanna admit to some of the things in that show lol

[@josephjames2011]

why would jimmy not ask him about the show and make him uncomfortable? magics and idiot.

[@RyanShead]

I like winning time as well. I see why he may not like it much.

[@josephjames2011]

@@RyanShead John C Riley = legend.

[@RobUnwraps]

His happiness is infectious.

[@pnemea2678]

Magic look FANTASTIC. WISHING HIM THE BEST MOVING FORWARD.

[@calle68]

I put my smile on at the beginning of the video and I still have it stuck on my face ... Thanks Magic!

[@honestaccgroup]

Magic and Jordan are legends. Quit saying they’re “sick”. They’re competitors.

[@quecreations3244]

He was being sacrastic.

[@bestkept1135]

Magic is always fun to watch in interviews. No dull moments. Gonna watch that docu of his after quitting Winning Time series. MJ off court stories always amazes me. Kimmel is right MJ is "sick" 😂

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆👆

[@rxtsec1]

MJ should had followed his own advice with the Wizards

[@bestkept1135]

@@rxtsec1 you're probably right lol

[@nikkyblammon6814]

Magic had to retire for mj to dominate , love magic 👊🏽

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@nikkyblammon6814 More that Bird had to get too old (along with the long-time core of the Bird-era Celtics) and retire. MJ didn't write "that letter" to Magic, after all - Bird's Celtics were in the same conference.

[@high-defRJ]

One of the greatest person ever to grace the world. And he just happened to play basketball and become a legendary and iconic figure in basketball history.

[@junrheeborra8752]

He's just so positive in life and had that contagious smile

[@bishopmed]

😂😂

[@teejack8108]

Magic is literally one of the nicest persons on earth. I was smiling throughout the entire interview. Shouts out Jimmy.

[@cynthianesbitt6197]

Magic, I hope this message find you, in 1991,I believe, I was sitting in my car, late evening, I learned you were sick, even then your main concern was your wife, I cried like a baby, a married woman with children.I'm so proud of you, through your bravery, endurance, wife, family whom became even more your reason to live.Thank God a solution came your way, "you did that" proud of you, "God Bless"

[@a.i.videosandcryptoworld9025]

This is soo adorable every time he goes on jimmy kimmel he’s always happy and laughing we are all soo lucky to see him laugh

[@Terry_Boyeer]

Sitting with this dude and just hanging out with him looks so amazing! Chill, and great storyteller

[@banzai744]

0:18 The song is "Flash Light" by Parliament for those who don't know . Great jam.

[@tesisau123]

Jimmy & Magic so deep in sports talk that Jimmy forgot to ask for his invite to the summer yacht vacation.... Unless he already he already got it

[@HOE-rv6ie]

Magic made me a fan of NBA. The 1st time I watched was a game against Larry Bird where Magic did a buzzer beater frustrating the Boston team. Then I became a Lakers fan. He is funny and exactly opposite the attitude of Bird. He was more exciting to watch than any other players during his time.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

For long time hardcore basketball fans, Bird was more exciting. Magic was a LOT showier, though - and not short of real excitement himself - lending his attraction more to the non-hardcore Basketball fans.

[@theserver4]

Magic Johnson is one of the most likable ppl ever.

[@josephjames2011]

booooo

[@aarondigby5054]

A couple of aid scandal transients liked him too.

[@josephgarcia4065]

I ran into him with my dad at the All Star Game at Dodgers stadium, very very kind guy . Still took the pic with us

[@TheSecreto41]

Love me some Magic! Thank you for still entertaining us after all this years!

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆

[@ShermanSitter]

I'm glad he stands his ground on not joking about drinking and smoking. It is fine if others want to do it, but all to often it is glorified and others are made uncomfortable if they don't join in.

[@gitoliem5454]

everywhere he goes or shows up on videos Magic always brings positive energy ..

[@cyberbron2077]

The HBO series "Winning Time" does a great job portraying him as a rookie.

[@josephgreen2824]

There's too much fiction in that series

[@nafisjackson1550]

@@josephgreen2824 too much fiction in Hollywood? What?!

[@alysoncorrao977]

Amazing show

[@3rddegree169]

MJ and 90's NBA was so wild and such a Great time in Chicago. 😁

[@bernandinocamilo1946]

keeping it 1000% my respects a Legend.

[@vondamn9943]

He is absolutely no questions the most awesome person to play the NBA

[@d312da1]

it's crazy how he won a high school championship all the way to an nba championship title. so much respect for this guy. no wonder he is always so happy :D

[@mrmartywaring]

I met Magic once in NYC & he was so nice! Great man & great player.

[@Sir_Alex]

I love Magic in everything he does ❤

[@jmgonzaga101]

Magic is always seems so positive.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆👆

[@shmigod1195]

Pun intended?

[@mullallylally]

He's the nicest person ever so high on life

[@nonabritton8521]

Love you Magic followed you since college can't wait to see documentary

[@lt_ghostout1353]

man.. who doesn't love this man !! they really call him MAGIC

[@mikeroullier6875]

Love Magic!!! What an amazing, beautiful and incredible man!! God bless you and your family!

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@Mr.Oct___]

Great interview....Magic is unquestionably forever the Crowned Prince of the NBA & LA. What a wonderful ambassador he is..

[@iadiramorales68]

A phenomenal human being. He just made me smile 😃

[@MARAGAMING5076]

Magic Johnson is the greatest all around basketball player of all time imo. And this comes from a knicks fan. Nothing but respect for this great Legend...

[@oneirishpoet]

Nope both Larry Bird and Bill Russell are better

[@davidmalik9821]

@@oneirishpoet Nope, they are not and think Bill is one of the greatest ever. People seem to forget that if Magic wanted to he could have been one of the greatest scorers in the league. However with the arsenal of talent on that "Showtime" team ...

[@trevorcarey3997]

Magic is one of the greatest, but the otha MJ will always be the GOAT, there was no weakness in Jordan's game, with Magic his defense was weak at times and needed his teammates more for his greatness but other then that I put him in my top 7 all time👌

[@davidmalik9821]

So did Jordan win a championship his rookie yr WITHOUT one of the greatest to ever play the game? Jordan did not come into the league with all star defense and a killer jump shot btw. He worked on them and became great. If Magic wanted to he could have been top five in scoring. And when really did Jordan make anyone better, with or without causing them to have a nervous breakdown? However, Jordan is one of the greatest to ever play the game. I will give him that.

[@cojack636]

@@davidmalik9821 💯

[@NOLAsoulchild]

So love Magic! His energy is everything

[@sergiocm4669]

My favorite Basketball player of all time, not only his talent but his personality. Hopefully I will meet him some day. God Blesses you Magic 🇲🇽

[@jjmalaprop9968]

A lot of ex-players could learn a lesson from Magic. Self-effacing humor makes you human and likable. It doesn’t diminish your achievements.

[@jaimemedina4736]

Em I go Loki with

[@jaimemedina4736]

YHey o boy

[@Eljesusdelabiblia]

It’s not that easy for everyone. He’s Magic.

[@strizzlestatus]

As a lifelong Celtics fan, I’ll still always love & respect this man. Good dude & great energy.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆👆

[@bigcgr9758]

I'm honored to come from the same city of Lansing Michigan as magic I went to the same highschool, Everett highschool I went to church with his whole family including his parents and siblings I'm friends with his nephew. So my whole life I've been a magic Johnson fan . I've had the pleasure of meeting him a few times over the years the first time being at a Michigan State basketball game in 1993 and a few times since . He's a great man I admire him and it's awesome I got to walk the same halls as him and play on the same courts and hang out In the same places as him .

[@chathuravishwanathjayaratn8386]

What I observe is that no matter how many championships , both Larry and Jordan are good friends with him. Shows his character. 💪

[@adingdingdiiing6740]

I'm also enjoying his other documentary. Winning Time! So good.😊

[@lashropa]

Oh man. I just don't even know what to say when you show up. Thank you brother; you're one of the most inspiring human beings I've ever seen. I can't tell you all the things I learned about my own life from just watching you be you over all these years. Keys to the kingdom man. As far as I'm concerned. Be well.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@juliemgates]

This is one of the most entertaining interviews I’ve ever watched.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@yorkiepablo3142]

Awesome interview. More like two good friends chatting.

[@t1et1etony78]

magic and jimmy together? i'm too lucky to see this. this is epic. tell me i'm wrong if u like. but truth matters ❤️ i love magic rip Kobe. ❤️

[@ahpuro]

Magic interviews are always fun to watch

[@gilgonzalez1488]

For my two cents, this player is the greatest team player of all time. From his Rookie season until his Lakers team lost to the Jordan Bulls in 1991, his Lakers teams were a championship contender. Magic won five out of nine NBA titles in arguably the best decade of professional basketball. Please give this man his respect when talking about the greatest of all time. Look at his numbers and how they compare with MJ, KOBE, LEBRON, KAREEM, BIRD, DUNCAN, CURRY. Magic accomplished so much without having to be a scoring machine. Hence, the GREATEST TEAM PLAYER OF ALL TIME.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

*Bill Russell enters the chat* I grant Magic is VERY high on the list, though.

[@aarontrainor9918]

Played a 13th Season in 1996

[@wikedwun]

Magic Jimmy K interviews are the best!

[@ShawnLH88]

His energy is the best

[@nb6918]

Last time I came this early, Mike shot his iconic shot against the Jazz in '98.

[@davel9514]

@@orionsshoe2424 I heard the cure-all is now branded as Ivermectin 🤣

[@NeoViny]

Magic…. One of the best ever…. And his entertaining skills are amazing…. That man ain’t need not spotlights…. He shines no matter what

[@erikcox8749]

Even if you're not a Laker fan it's interesting to listen to Magic tell stories, and has one of the most likeable personalities. ✌️💙

[@louannwaters6691]

I am a huge basketball fan! Magic Johnson is my all time favorite player❤️. His laugh is infectious😊

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@danielx8]

First time I watched him on the interview and I don't why 🤣 it was great interview

[@dayhudson1]

Such a class act. Just blown away but his charisma.

[@silver-vt3yu]

Love MAGIC, his personality, he is realy a nice guy and great basketball player

[@soniakoji498]

Magic is a living Legend! Nuff Respect ✊

[@lindalava1517]

What a legend

[@lumpy0100]

Thanks Jimmy Kimmel, Magic Johnson Et Al.🙂

[@tiagofilipe1904]

Magic is such a likeable person! Always joking and smiling! Keep it up!👍👍

[@cyberbron2077]

Legend

[@daviddudley4843]

Every interview he is so on top.

[@samflynn3670]

great documentary series!

[@renewilson4823]

Absolutely love Magic Johnson

[@CD-oq8em]

Great interview.

[@F417H]

laugh is healing ! merci beaucoup

[@vinayraju211]

This literally just proves that everything in "Winning Time" is spot on 😂

[@peterlundstrom6054]

Magic has such a contagious laugh.

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

My favorite player of all time. I’m not saying the best, but my favorite for the way he played and got his teammates involved.

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆

[@realityislost7052]

Magic has unmeasurable character. Love him.

[@KCNwokoye]

Wow what a leader and so full of grace.

[@mr.chandler9177]

Legendary ✊🏾

[@jorgeacevedo2872]

He gives me the impression of someone who is buzzed and just having a good time every time he says "shhh"

[@HH-gv8mx]

I’ve been watching Winning Time on HBO .. SO EXCELLENT! I wonder how much of it is true based on Magic Johnson’s life and how come the documentary isn’t on HBO?

[@archeredutainment8453]

I read the other day Jerry West is suing the producers for how they have portrayed him. But I love this series... cheers

[@Eljesusdelabiblia]

Let’s see them all! 🙂👍🏻

[@FrankZen]

Apple probably paid better.

[@gregorycaloregon3667]

Love Magic!! Great personality!!

[@_.BitcoinUniversity..]

Hello, Contact 👆👆👆👆

[@bkillest2762]

One of my favorite players!! And Kareem was a beast

[@Sldumas1983]

Great stuff