Before Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan came into the NBA and became the face of the league, there was one person who saved the NBA from going out of business. That was Magic Johnson. Magic came into the NBA when it needed him the most, and he changed the course of history forever. And seven-time All-Star Grant Hill once explained how the Los Angeles Lakers legend not only changed the game of basketball but also marked a cultural shift in the United States of America.

Earvin “Magic”Johnson came into the NBA in the 1979 NBA draft, a time when the popularity of the league was dwindling. He was drafted number one overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that was loaded with stars but had not won a title since Wilt Chamberlain left the franchise.

The team was also under new ownership under Jerry Buss and he was yet to taste success. He did manage to get another star in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but the Lakers were yet to win anything under him. That was going to change after Magic Johnson came in and started the Showtime era.

Magic Johnson and the Lakers changed the perception of the NBA

Magic and the Lakers started the showtime era in the 80s and dominated the decade. The young phenom was listed at 6-foot-9 and he was a crafty guard at that height. In all its years, the NBA has not seen a point guard like that. Along with that, he was highly marketable. He was a flashy, flamboyant, and loveable character.

“Wow League Is So Soft”: NBA Taking “Harsh” Decision on LeBron James’ Teammate Leaves Lakers Fans in Disbelief

NBA Legend and seven-time All-Star Grant Hill once explained what Magic meant to the United States at that time. He was part of the new documentary on Johnson, “They Call Me Magic.” On the show, he proclaimed, “Not only did Black America, not only the young black kids, black teenagers, fall in love with Magic Johnson, but White America was falling in love with Magic Johnson. Falling in love and looking up to and feeling inspired by a Black male, was almost unheard of.”

Trending

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

WATCH THIS STORY: Magic Johnson drops the hammer on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as LeBron James nears iconic NBA scoring record

Magic was a transcendental player and his rivalry with Larry Bird transformed the NBA in the 80s. Many say that Magic saved the NBA from going out of business. He made the league popular again, even in areas where it was not well received at one point.

And he made the cultural shift necessary for Michael Jordan to flourish in the league and take it to the next level.