The Golden State Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry recently made a claim that he is the best point guard in NBA history. But while his success with the Warriors and the way he transformed the league with his three-point shooting give his statement some legitimacy, a lot of people disagree.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson, whom many basketball fans considered the best PG to ever play the game, offered his take on Curry’s claim during a recent chat with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio. According to Johnson, Curry still needs to hit some milestones before making such comments.

“OK, so, if he got more than five championships, if he got more than three Finals MVPs, and three league MVPs, then he’s the greatest,” Johnson told Gelb. “If he got more than No. 1 in assists all time in the Finals, No. 2 in double-doubles [in the playoffs and Finals], No. 1 in triple-doubles all time in the NBA playoffs, No. 4 in steals all time in the playoffs, if he got more than those numbers, then he’s the best.”

“If he got more than all those things, he’s the best,” Johnson added. “But the last time I checked, he doesn’t.”

Of course, all the achievements that Johnson listed are actually his own. And it is safe to say that Curry still has a lot of catching up to do. He needs one NBA title, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and one regular MVP honor to catch Johnson.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson reportedly wants a piece of the Washington Commanders. According to multiple reports, Johnson will bid on the Commanders as part of the group helmed by Apollo Global Management founder Josh Harris.

Johnson was previously also involved in Harris’ unsuccessful bid for the Denver Broncos. He already has minority ownership in several professional sports teams, including MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, MLS’ LAFC, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Harris, who already owns NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is considered one of the main candidates to be the new Commanders’ owner but is reportedly facing tough competition. There are at least three other prospective buyers, with one of them being the Houston Rockets’ owner Tilman Fertitta.

The Washington Commanders were put up for sale back in November, but the process has been slowed down by team owner Dan Snyder’s high asking price. Sportico previously reported that Snyder wants to get at least $6 billion for the team, while the highest bid so far came at $5.5 billion. Either would break the NFL record, which is currently $4.6 billion that Walmart heir Rob Walton paid for the Broncos.

If Snyder manages to get a deal with a buyer in the near future, the sale would reportedly have to wait until May and the next NFL owners meeting to be approved.

The post Lakers’ Great Magic Johnson Becomes Part of the Group Bidding for Commanders appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Shockwaves were sent through the NBA and through the Lakers organization on Tuesday night as Magic Johnson abruptly announced his resignation as the Los Angeles president of basketball operations.

Johnson, who was appointed to his role in February of 2017, served as the shot-caller with a significant role in hiring decisions and in the team’s roster construction.

He was one of the main forces that attracted LeBron James to sign with the Lakers during the last offseason and built a young roster around James that he hoped to be able to contend for an NBA title.

Unfortunately for Johnson, things haven’t quite gone as planned for Los Angeles this season.

The Lakers found themselves eliminated from playoff contention in March and are limping to the finish line of this NBA season with a 37-45 record, far below expectations.

This, combined with Johnson’s desire to fire head coach Luke Walton, led to a huge amount of pressure for the former NBA superstar.

This reality, combined with his desire to return to his former role as an NBA Ambassador, led Johnson to make this surprise decision.

Now, with the franchise stunned and reeling, the Lakers will be forced to attempt to find a quality replacement for Johnson and pick up the pieces of a failed 2018-19 season.

The post Magic Johnson Resigns Abruptly as Lakers President appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite getting LeBron James in the offseason, Los Angeles Lakers are struggling at the beginning of 2018-19 NBA season and have now fallen to a 4-6 record after 107-121 defeat against Toronto Raptors. While this put pressure on the Lakers’ head coach Luke Walton, it turns out that the 38-year-old doesn’t have to worry about his job.

Los Angeles’ president of basketball operations Magic Johnson told reporters on Sunday night Walton won’t be fired even though the team has been playing poorly.

“Yeah, we’re not going to fire him,” – Johnson told ESPN. “[The meeting last week with Walton] wasn’t even a meeting about that. We just have to be better, and that was it.“

Johnson also discussed Luke Walton’s job security with the Los Angeles Times recently.

“He’s going to finish the season,” – he told Times. “Unless something drastic happens, which it won’t.“

Luke Walton, who took over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, is still to prove that he has what it takes to be a successful NBA coach. In his first two seasons with the team, Walton posted a 61-103 record, but the front office tolerated this considering the fact that the Lakers were undergoing a rebuild.

Now as the rebuilding process is almost over, the team might not be so forgiving to Walton, despite what Johnson says. Although Lakers didn’t intend to be NBA Championship contenders right away, the team was looking to get in the NBA Playoffs this year, and he would have to deliver on this if he wants to keep his job.

The post Magic Johnson says Lakers’ Head Coach Luke Walton Won’t be Fired appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LeBron James is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and this will likely be another of his free agency decisions that will shape the future of the league. While there were numerous speculations about James’ next destination prior to the start of free agency, no one exactly knew where the best basketball player in the world will end up until the official confirmation came on July 1st revealing the will be a Laker. Now the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, decided to give us a glimpse into the whole process of getting James to Los Angeles.

According to Johnson, he arrived an hour early before his scheduled meeting with LeBron James and waited in front of his house until the free agency officially kicked off. When the two men sit down together at 9:01 p.m. PT and started talking, Johnson didn’t want to waste time talking about the Lakers legacy and what it means to be a part of that franchise.

“He didn’t need to hear that.” –Johnson told Spectrum SportsNet. “He already knew the team, maybe better than I did. He broke the roster down right in front of me,” Johnson said. “… He knew every single guy, the strength, and weaknesses on our team.“

Magic Johnson revealed that he and James instead talked about basketball.

“We had a great time of going back and forth, here we are two guys, similar,” – he added. “Both from the Midwest. Both grew up poor. Both love to compete. Both love to win, and I think both excel at the highest level. We connected right when I walked in the door. Just two guys that talk free to each other, and talk basketball, and that’s what I love about LeBron.“

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told Spectrum SportsNet that they found out about James’ decision a day after the meeting when the players’ agent Rich Paul sent him a simple text message.

“The text just said ‘Congrats,’ and it had balloons,”- said Pelinka. “It was one of those moments in life you’ll never ever forget. Everything went in slow motion.”

Pelinka then received a phone call from James, and the big plan to bring the championship back to Los Angeles was set in motion.

The post Magic Johnson Waited an Hour in Front of LeBron James’ House Prior to their Meeting appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA issued a $50,000 fine to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule. According to the reports, NBA fined the Lakers following the comments of team’s president Magic Johnson about Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking with ESPN in a recent interview, Johnson praised Antetokounmpo, saying the player may lead the Bucks to a championship.

“Oh yeah,” – said Johnson when he was asked whether he sees similarities between his and Antetokounmpo’s game. “With his ball-handling skills and his passing ability. He plays above the rim; I never could do that. But in his understanding of the game, his basketball IQ, his creativity of shots for his teammates … that’s where we [have the] same thing. Can bring it down, make a pass, make a play.“

“I’m just happy he’s starting in the All-Star Game because he deserves that.” – Johnson added. “And he’s going to be like an MVP, a champion. This dude, he’s going to put Milwaukee on the map. And I think he’s going to bring them a championship one day.“

Although these comments may seem like straightforward thing and simple praise, NBA doesn’t tolerate when team’s officials comment about the players who are under contract with another team. While NBA didn’t appreciate Magic Johnson’s comments about Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks sure did.

This isn’t the first time that the Lakers have been fined for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule under Magic Johnson’s regime. The team also received a $500,000 fine in August after NBA’s investigation “produced evidence of contact” between the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka and the agent of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George, even after a warning about tampering.

The post Los Angeles Lakers Fined for Violating NBA’s Anti-Tampering Rule appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After the Los Angeles Lakers have been handed a $500,000 fine for tampering superstar Paul George, the team’s president of basketball operations Magic Johnson has offered to pay it. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times has obtained Johnson’s statement who said:

“We can’t say a lot but we will correct the situation. It’s under my watch. I apologize to Jeanie, and that was the main thing. I told her she could take it out of my salary because I don’t want the Lakers to be paying that fine. … I don’t want her spending $500,000 because she didn’t do anything. That’s on me.“

Lakers received a $500,000 fine last week after NBA investigation showed that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka contacted the agent of Paul George and violated league’s anti-tampering rule by doing so. Lakers were previously warned by NBA after Magic Johnson made certain comments on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Johnson said that he would “wink at Paul George” if he would saw him on vacation and George would know what that means.

NBA began the investigation after tampering charges were filed by Indiana Pacers. Following the charges, LA Lakers released an official statement denying the accusations in full. They were in danger of losing draft picks and being banned from signing Paul George in the future, so the $500K fine isn’t that bad.

According to numerous sources and Paul George himself, Los Angeles Lakers are George’s preferred team once he enters free agency next summer. Lakers were reluctant to make a trade with the Pacers, hoping George won’t change his mind and that they will be able to sign him for free. After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, George said that his comments about the Lakers were exaggerated and that he would be crazy to leave Oklahoma if the team shows potential to win an NBA title soon.

The post LA Lakers President Magic Johnson Offers to Pay $500K Tampering Fine appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA released a statement yesterday saying that they will begin an investigation regarding the alleged tampering of Paul George by the Los Angeles Lakers following the request made by the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers denied the accusations, saying they expect everything to be sorted out soon since there is no evidence of tampering. It is believed that Magic Johnson, Lakers president of basketball operations, is at the center of the investigation.

Pacers suspect that Magic Johnson made a contact with Paul George while he was still their player. Under the regulations, officials of NBA teams can’t make any contacts with players (or their agents) about the possible move until the players’ free-agency year opens on July 1.

Paul George, 4 times NBA All-Star and the 10th pick in 2010 NBA draft, still had one year of his contract remaining but made it clear he doesn’t intend to sign an extension with Indiana Pacers and that his preferred destination is Los Angeles. This put Indiana Pacers in an awkward position, forcing them to choose between playing George for another year and losing him for nothing or trading him to another club. His publicly stated desire that he wants to play for Lakers didn’t help in the process, with the majority of teams unwilling to give up major assets for a player that would walk on them after a year. Oklahoma City Thunder was one of the teams willing to take a risk, sending Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to Indiana in exchange for George.

Several sources are saying that Pacers intended to file the charges even before they made a trade with OKC. If the tampering turns out to be true, LA Lakers could be in for a severe punishment. This includes losing draft picks, not being allowed to sign Paul George in the future or receiving a financial fine.

The post NBA Investigation Underway Due To Possible Tampering Of Paul George By LA Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Golden State Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry recently made a claim that he is the best point guard in NBA history. But while his success with the Warriors and the way he transformed the league with his three-point shooting give his statement some legitimacy, a lot of people disagree.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ legend Magic Johnson, whom many basketball fans considered the best PG to ever play the game, offered his take on Curry’s claim during a recent chat with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio. According to Johnson, Curry still needs to hit some milestones before making such comments.

“OK, so, if he got more than five championships, if he got more than three Finals MVPs, and three league MVPs, then he’s the greatest,” Johnson told Gelb. “If he got more than No. 1 in assists all time in the Finals, No. 2 in double-doubles [in the playoffs and Finals], No. 1 in triple-doubles all time in the NBA playoffs, No. 4 in steals all time in the playoffs, if he got more than those numbers, then he’s the best.”

“If he got more than all those things, he’s the best,” Johnson added. “But the last time I checked, he doesn’t.”

Of course, all the achievements that Johnson listed are actually his own. And it is safe to say that Curry still has a lot of catching up to do. He needs one NBA title, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and one regular MVP honor to catch Johnson.

The post Magic Johnson Offers His Take on Stephen Curry’s Claim of Being Best PG in NBA History appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson reportedly wants a piece of the Washington Commanders. According to multiple reports, Johnson will bid on the Commanders as part of the group helmed by Apollo Global Management founder Josh Harris.

Johnson was previously also involved in Harris’ unsuccessful bid for the Denver Broncos. He already has minority ownership in several professional sports teams, including MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, MLS’ LAFC, and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Harris, who already owns NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is considered one of the main candidates to be the new Commanders’ owner but is reportedly facing tough competition. There are at least three other prospective buyers, with one of them being the Houston Rockets’ owner Tilman Fertitta.

The Washington Commanders were put up for sale back in November, but the process has been slowed down by team owner Dan Snyder’s high asking price. Sportico previously reported that Snyder wants to get at least $6 billion for the team, while the highest bid so far came at $5.5 billion. Either would break the NFL record, which is currently $4.6 billion that Walmart heir Rob Walton paid for the Broncos.

If Snyder manages to get a deal with a buyer in the near future, the sale would reportedly have to wait until May and the next NFL owners meeting to be approved.

The post Lakers’ Great Magic Johnson Becomes Part of the Group Bidding for Commanders appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Shockwaves were sent through the NBA and through the Lakers organization on Tuesday night as Magic Johnson abruptly announced his resignation as the Los Angeles president of basketball operations.

Johnson, who was appointed to his role in February of 2017, served as the shot-caller with a significant role in hiring decisions and in the team’s roster construction.

He was one of the main forces that attracted LeBron James to sign with the Lakers during the last offseason and built a young roster around James that he hoped to be able to contend for an NBA title.

Unfortunately for Johnson, things haven’t quite gone as planned for Los Angeles this season.

The Lakers found themselves eliminated from playoff contention in March and are limping to the finish line of this NBA season with a 37-45 record, far below expectations.

This, combined with Johnson’s desire to fire head coach Luke Walton, led to a huge amount of pressure for the former NBA superstar.

This reality, combined with his desire to return to his former role as an NBA Ambassador, led Johnson to make this surprise decision.

Now, with the franchise stunned and reeling, the Lakers will be forced to attempt to find a quality replacement for Johnson and pick up the pieces of a failed 2018-19 season.

The post Magic Johnson Resigns Abruptly as Lakers President appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Despite getting LeBron James in the offseason, Los Angeles Lakers are struggling at the beginning of 2018-19 NBA season and have now fallen to a 4-6 record after 107-121 defeat against Toronto Raptors. While this put pressure on the Lakers’ head coach Luke Walton, it turns out that the 38-year-old doesn’t have to worry about his job.

Los Angeles’ president of basketball operations Magic Johnson told reporters on Sunday night Walton won’t be fired even though the team has been playing poorly.

“Yeah, we’re not going to fire him,” – Johnson told ESPN. “[The meeting last week with Walton] wasn’t even a meeting about that. We just have to be better, and that was it.“

Johnson also discussed Luke Walton’s job security with the Los Angeles Times recently.

“He’s going to finish the season,” – he told Times. “Unless something drastic happens, which it won’t.“

Luke Walton, who took over the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, is still to prove that he has what it takes to be a successful NBA coach. In his first two seasons with the team, Walton posted a 61-103 record, but the front office tolerated this considering the fact that the Lakers were undergoing a rebuild.

Now as the rebuilding process is almost over, the team might not be so forgiving to Walton, despite what Johnson says. Although Lakers didn’t intend to be NBA Championship contenders right away, the team was looking to get in the NBA Playoffs this year, and he would have to deliver on this if he wants to keep his job.

The post Magic Johnson says Lakers’ Head Coach Luke Walton Won’t be Fired appeared first on SportzBonanza.

LeBron James is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and this will likely be another of his free agency decisions that will shape the future of the league. While there were numerous speculations about James’ next destination prior to the start of free agency, no one exactly knew where the best basketball player in the world will end up until the official confirmation came on July 1st revealing the will be a Laker. Now the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, decided to give us a glimpse into the whole process of getting James to Los Angeles.

According to Johnson, he arrived an hour early before his scheduled meeting with LeBron James and waited in front of his house until the free agency officially kicked off. When the two men sit down together at 9:01 p.m. PT and started talking, Johnson didn’t want to waste time talking about the Lakers legacy and what it means to be a part of that franchise.

“He didn’t need to hear that.” –Johnson told Spectrum SportsNet. “He already knew the team, maybe better than I did. He broke the roster down right in front of me,” Johnson said. “… He knew every single guy, the strength, and weaknesses on our team.“

Magic Johnson revealed that he and James instead talked about basketball.

“We had a great time of going back and forth, here we are two guys, similar,” – he added. “Both from the Midwest. Both grew up poor. Both love to compete. Both love to win, and I think both excel at the highest level. We connected right when I walked in the door. Just two guys that talk free to each other, and talk basketball, and that’s what I love about LeBron.“

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told Spectrum SportsNet that they found out about James’ decision a day after the meeting when the players’ agent Rich Paul sent him a simple text message.

“The text just said ‘Congrats,’ and it had balloons,”- said Pelinka. “It was one of those moments in life you’ll never ever forget. Everything went in slow motion.”

Pelinka then received a phone call from James, and the big plan to bring the championship back to Los Angeles was set in motion.

The post Magic Johnson Waited an Hour in Front of LeBron James’ House Prior to their Meeting appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA issued a $50,000 fine to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule. According to the reports, NBA fined the Lakers following the comments of team’s president Magic Johnson about Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking with ESPN in a recent interview, Johnson praised Antetokounmpo, saying the player may lead the Bucks to a championship.

“Oh yeah,” – said Johnson when he was asked whether he sees similarities between his and Antetokounmpo’s game. “With his ball-handling skills and his passing ability. He plays above the rim; I never could do that. But in his understanding of the game, his basketball IQ, his creativity of shots for his teammates … that’s where we [have the] same thing. Can bring it down, make a pass, make a play.“

“I’m just happy he’s starting in the All-Star Game because he deserves that.” – Johnson added. “And he’s going to be like an MVP, a champion. This dude, he’s going to put Milwaukee on the map. And I think he’s going to bring them a championship one day.“

Although these comments may seem like straightforward thing and simple praise, NBA doesn’t tolerate when team’s officials comment about the players who are under contract with another team. While NBA didn’t appreciate Magic Johnson’s comments about Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks sure did.

This isn’t the first time that the Lakers have been fined for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule under Magic Johnson’s regime. The team also received a $500,000 fine in August after NBA’s investigation “produced evidence of contact” between the Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka and the agent of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George, even after a warning about tampering.

The post Los Angeles Lakers Fined for Violating NBA’s Anti-Tampering Rule appeared first on SportzBonanza.

After the Los Angeles Lakers have been handed a $500,000 fine for tampering superstar Paul George, the team’s president of basketball operations Magic Johnson has offered to pay it. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times has obtained Johnson’s statement who said:

“We can’t say a lot but we will correct the situation. It’s under my watch. I apologize to Jeanie, and that was the main thing. I told her she could take it out of my salary because I don’t want the Lakers to be paying that fine. … I don’t want her spending $500,000 because she didn’t do anything. That’s on me.“

Lakers received a $500,000 fine last week after NBA investigation showed that Lakers GM Rob Pelinka contacted the agent of Paul George and violated league’s anti-tampering rule by doing so. Lakers were previously warned by NBA after Magic Johnson made certain comments on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Johnson said that he would “wink at Paul George” if he would saw him on vacation and George would know what that means.

NBA began the investigation after tampering charges were filed by Indiana Pacers. Following the charges, LA Lakers released an official statement denying the accusations in full. They were in danger of losing draft picks and being banned from signing Paul George in the future, so the $500K fine isn’t that bad.

According to numerous sources and Paul George himself, Los Angeles Lakers are George’s preferred team once he enters free agency next summer. Lakers were reluctant to make a trade with the Pacers, hoping George won’t change his mind and that they will be able to sign him for free. After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, George said that his comments about the Lakers were exaggerated and that he would be crazy to leave Oklahoma if the team shows potential to win an NBA title soon.

The post LA Lakers President Magic Johnson Offers to Pay $500K Tampering Fine appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NBA released a statement yesterday saying that they will begin an investigation regarding the alleged tampering of Paul George by the Los Angeles Lakers following the request made by the Indiana Pacers. The Lakers denied the accusations, saying they expect everything to be sorted out soon since there is no evidence of tampering. It is believed that Magic Johnson, Lakers president of basketball operations, is at the center of the investigation.

Pacers suspect that Magic Johnson made a contact with Paul George while he was still their player. Under the regulations, officials of NBA teams can’t make any contacts with players (or their agents) about the possible move until the players’ free-agency year opens on July 1.

Paul George, 4 times NBA All-Star and the 10th pick in 2010 NBA draft, still had one year of his contract remaining but made it clear he doesn’t intend to sign an extension with Indiana Pacers and that his preferred destination is Los Angeles. This put Indiana Pacers in an awkward position, forcing them to choose between playing George for another year and losing him for nothing or trading him to another club. His publicly stated desire that he wants to play for Lakers didn’t help in the process, with the majority of teams unwilling to give up major assets for a player that would walk on them after a year. Oklahoma City Thunder was one of the teams willing to take a risk, sending Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to Indiana in exchange for George.

Several sources are saying that Pacers intended to file the charges even before they made a trade with OKC. If the tampering turns out to be true, LA Lakers could be in for a severe punishment. This includes losing draft picks, not being allowed to sign Paul George in the future or receiving a financial fine.

The post NBA Investigation Underway Due To Possible Tampering Of Paul George By LA Lakers appeared first on SportzBonanza.