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The Truth About The Relationship Between Magic Johnson And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

By the time Magic Johnson started his third NBA season in 1981, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was 34 years old, still very effective on the court but seemingly not an ideal fit for the Los Angeles Lakers' fast-paced style of play. As recalled by the Los Angeles Times, Abdul-Jabbar suffered a foot injury early in the 1981-82 season, and with the big guy momentarily sidelined, the Lakers were able to push the tempo even further, winning six straight games at one point despite starting journeyman Jim Brewer in the middle. No Kareem, no problem. This led to media- and player-fueled speculation that the Lakers might be open to trading Abdul-Jabbar.

As far as Johnson was concerned, he seemed to be firmly in the "trade Kareem" camp. "When he leaves, you'll be able to see the real Magic show," Johnson allegedly told a pair of Lakers beat reporters. "I've had to change my game because of the big fella. I'm just waiting my turn. My time will come." Abdul-Jabbar was reportedly furious over Johnson's quoted comments, saying in an interview that he "[wasn't] dead yet" and the "reports of [his] demise have been greatly overrated."

Leave it to Pat Riley, the then-rookie head coach of the Lakers, to squash the beef. Per the Los Angeles Times, Riley held a team meeting where he (unsuccessfully) tried to get Abdul-Jabbar's anonymous detractors to admit that they spoke to the media. Still, he made it clear that this was unacceptable behavior, and the 1981-82 Lakers moved forward, all the way to a Finals victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

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