Earvin Magic Johnson speaks to a socially distanced crowd outside Everett High School in Lansing Michigan Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. Johnson and others stumped for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at his old high school. Magic Johnson Robert Killips | Lansing State Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Sends Powerful Message To Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 14, 2025 8:03 PM ET

Kevin Durant is coming off another strong individual season for the Phoenix Suns.

The 2014 MVP had averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per contest while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from the three-point range in 62 games.

On Wednesday, the Suns made an announcement about Durant.

Via The Phoenix Suns: "The 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award Winner: Kevin Durant

Presented by the PBWA, the award recognizes the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation in working with the media"

The 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award Winner: Kevin Durant ☄️

Presented by the PBWA, the award recognizes the NBA player who best combines excellence on the court with cooperation in working with the media ️ pic.twitter.com/yFIxys36Tn
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 14, 2025

Following the news, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson sent a message to Durant (via X).

Johnson wrote: "Congratulations to the 2-time Magic Johnson Award winner Kevin Durant. I’m so excited Kevin Durant won this award because is he always so gracious to the media and fans, I love his game, who he is as a man, and all the great community work that he’s doing in the DMV area with the youth. Kevin is an outstanding entrepreneur and a big Commanders fans. I wish he was a Laker! lol "

Congratulations to the 2-time Magic Johnson Award winner Kevin Durant. I’m so excited Kevin Durant won this award because is he always so gracious to the media and fans, I love his game, who he is as a man, and all the great community work that he’s doing in the DMV area with the… pic.twitter.com/QIwKQn4B6g
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 14, 2025

Johnson has shown his admiration for Durant (on social media) many times.

He wrote (on September 29): "Happy birthday to Kevin Durant! KD is one of my favorite players and people and his mother Wanda, is truly a special lady. He’s one of the best athlete entrepreneurs out there and he, along with his business partner Rich Kleiman, are currently building a business empire."

Happy birthday to Kevin Durant! KD is one of my favorite players and people and his mother Wanda, is truly a special lady. He’s one of the best athlete entrepreneurs out there and he, along with his business partner Rich Kleiman, are currently building a business empire. pic.twitter.com/G6cit6OCcu
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 29, 2024

Durant has also spent time with the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder over 18 years.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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