Magic Johnson Names Greatest Player in NBA History Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 11:41 AM ET

With the NBA Finals in full swing, basketball has taken center stage — and on Thursday, following Game 3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers series (which the Pacers won to take a 2-1 lead), NBA legend and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson joined the ESPN set in New York to appear on "First Take" alongside Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim.

Amidst a wide-ranging basketball discussion — from the Finals to speculation on Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns — Smith asked Johnson a pointed and simple question: “Define a superstar.”

Johnson didn’t hesitate, offering a clear and compelling answer that ultimately led him to name the greatest player in NBA history.

“A person who can go on the road and sell the building,” Johnson said. “You gotta be box office… Larry Bird — people running home. Charles Barkley — people running home. Shaq — people running home. Kobe — people running home. And of course, the greatest to ever play — Michael Jordan. People running home to see him, or doing everything they can to get into the arena to watch him play. That’s a superstar.”

Johnson and Jordan didn’t face off often during their playing days, but they did meet in the 1991 NBA Finals — a pivotal moment in basketball history.

That series marked the beginning of the Bulls’ dynasty, as Chicago defeated the Lakers in five games to capture Michael Jordan’s first NBA championship. Jordan would go on to win five more titles, finishing his career a perfect 6-0 in the Finals.

For years, the debate over the NBA’s greatest player has centered around Jordan and LeBron James. While Johnson has consistently praised LeBron — especially since James joined the Lakers — it didn’t take him long to name his pick for the “GOAT” of basketball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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