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Lakers Legend Pau Gasol, and Former NFL Coach Join the NBA World to Mourn Magic Johnson’s Painful Loss

Published 03/10/2023, 4:45 AM EST

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The Sports world got struck with a tragic loss as Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson broke the news. Earvin Johnson Sr., the father of Magic Johnson, passed away earlier as the Lakers legend went to Twitter to announce the news. The five-time NBA champion penned down an emotional note on his father’s passing. Multiple other Lakers legends and entities from other sports responded to Johnson’s loss.

A father holds a special place in the heart of their child. And for Johnson, it was nothing different as he credited his father for the man he is today. Earvin Johnson Sr. was 88 years old when he passed away on Wednesday night.

The sports world grieves Magic Johnson’s loss

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Johnson wrote down a heartfelt note as his father passed away. The note said, “I’m truly heartbroken. Last night I lost my biggest supporter, my best friend, my hero, my idol, my father, Earvin Johnson Sr. Since I was a little boy, I wanted to be just like my dad.”

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Magic credited his father for all the skills he possesses today and how his father worked 2-3 jobs just to provide for his family. He also gave his father credit for his success in the NBA, stating it was his father who told him if he put in the work, he’d make it into the NBA.

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Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau Gasol tweeted to the news, “My deepest condolences.”

Former NFL head coach Hue Jackson also commented, “RIH, Ervin Johnson Sr. Until you see him again. What an example he provided.”

Here are a few more reactions from Twitter.

Everyone in the comments section paid their respects to the legend behind the curtains of Johnson’s success.

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The Johnson family honoring the life of Earvin Johnson Sr.

Magic Johnson went to his social media to announce the passing of his father. Apart from updating his Twitter, Johnson also went to his official Instagram page where he uploaded a video.

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That video was followed by the Lakers legend penning down another message, thanking everyone for their prayers and condolences. Not only that but in honor of his father’s legacy, the Magic Johnson family will be creating an Earvin Johnson Sr. Scholarship Fund for the students at Michigan State University.

Johnson also mentioned how this was the best way to honor his father. And he too would’ve loved it that his life was celebrated through philanthropy. Our prayers go out to the Johnson family during this time as well.

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Written by:

Abhishek Dhariwal

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Abhishek Dhariwal is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He earned his bachelor's degree in English Honors from St. Xavier's College and his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from AAFT School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth