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NBA Legend Magic Johnson Names the Greatest Basketball Player Ever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 3:41 PM ET

One of the biggest debates in each every sport is who the greatest player of all time is and it's something that likley will never be unanimously decided as every person has their own outlook and own criteria on what makes someone the "GOAT" of the sport.

Yet, the biggest debate on that topic may stem from the NBA and it's usually centered around the great Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who's gearing up for his 23rd NBA season, which will make him the longest tenured player in league history.

That said, NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson chimed in recently during all All Access Event at Dodger Stadium and revealed that he believes, while James is great and in his eyes is the second greatest player ever, Jordan is the best basketball player he's ever seen.

"I would have to say Michael," Johnson said. "We haven't seen anybody do the things that Michael could do. And he was physically so gifted at the same time, smart. And then I think that we have two other Lakers following him right after that, and that would be LeBron [James] and Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]."

Johnson explained why he believes Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, while also emphasizing that Bill Russell, with his 11 championships, deserves more recognition in the "GOAT" conversation.

“But Michael, I would say, and then you’ve got to throw Bill Russell in there because 11 championships—you can’t deny that,” Johnson added. “When a man wins that many World Championship rings, he’s got to be in the 'GOAT' conversation. No question about it. So, they go back and forth today about Michael and LeBron, and that’s okay.”

Johnson went on to recount Jordan’s unforgettable shot against the Lakers in 1991.

“But Michael, I still remember that shot he did against us in ’91, where he went up with the right hand, tongue out, and we went for it. See, you’re too young. I want you to YouTube this, okay?"

Johnson continued, “so he watched us go down, switched the ball from his right to his left, tongue went left, and he spun it off the glass—and good. Still the greatest shot I’ve ever seen.”

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

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