Following the tragic loss of NBA analyst Ernie Johnson’s mother, Marjorie Johnson, the basketball world mourned yet another loss. Earlier, the NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley had sent out their condolences to Johnson’s family on a live broadcast. And now, a Los Angeles Lakers’ 5x champion shared his heartfelt note to a great commentator from the yesteryears.

The Emmy award-winning college basketball analyst, Billy Packer passed away on Thursday night in North Carolina. The basketball world considered Packer as the voice of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. The award-winning commentator had his career expanded over 34 long years. Hall of Famer Magic Johnson remembered the late icon as the dear commentator from his college basketball period.

Magic Johnson pens down a warm message 

Magic Johnson took to his Twitter handle and shared his condolence with Packer’s family. He wrote, “Rest in peace to color commentator and broadcaster Billy Packer! I will always remember him covering me in the NCAA Tournament. Sending prayers to the Packer family.”

Notably, Johnson had an impressive two years at the NCAA averaging 17.1 points, and emerged as the hottest prospect of the tournament. Eventually, the Lakers picked him as the first pick of the 1979 NBA draft.

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Billy Packer had a 27-year association with the CBS sports covering college basketball in his 34-year-long career. Packer’s family announced to the press his passing on Thursday night. Moreover, the 82-YO’s son, Mark informed the press that his father had several health issues and eventually succumbed to Kidney failure. 

The CBS chairman, Sean McManus sent out a statement on the legendary commentator. In his statement posted by CBS, he said, “He had a tremendous impact on the growth and popularity of the sport. In true Billy fashion, he analyzed the game with his own unique style, perspective and opinions, yet always kept the focus on the game.” Apart from his analyst avatar, Packer donned several other avatars as a player and a short stint as a coach with Demon Deacons.

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What do you make of the Lakers legend Magic Johnson’s heartfelt note to Billy Packer? Let us know in the comments below.