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During my teenage years in Boston, I was a witness to one of the most legendary rivalries in NBA history. It was a time when the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers, guided by the towering Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the charismatic Magic Johnson, clashed fiercely with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, known for their gritty determination, were led by the unassuming yet deadly Larry Bird.
In the span from 1979 to 1991, the Lakers clinched five championships, while the Celtics secured three. This era etched itself into the annals of the league as one of its most memorable periods.
Back then, as an East Coast resident, the Lakers seemed almost otherworldly to me. Magic Johnson, with his infectious smile and dazzling no-look passes, epitomized this allure. Now, having spent many years in California, I understand that Los Angeles holds its own unique mysteries. Yet, they differ from what I had once imagined.
These days, the enigma lies in the city’s political landscape, where numerous leftist politicians appear determined to undermine its vibrancy. Los Angeles remains exotic, although now it’s more about the unpredictability of what one might encounter while navigating its streets or venturing downtown.
Magic Johnson, despite enduring his share of controversies after his NBA career, has consistently rebounded and remains a revered figure in the city. However, his latest decision to back a controversial leader could alienate many fans nationwide. This leader’s policies have been linked to the city’s decline and their poor handling of the catastrophic January 25 fires, which destroyed over 16,000 structures and claimed at least 30 lives.
Magic has survived his share of drama and scandal in his post-NBA years, yet he always seems to bounce back and is considered a living legend here — but he may alienate a lot of fans around the country with this head-spinning move. He’s throwing his support behind a “leader” who has pushed the city further into decline and was disastrously ineffective during the January 25 fires, which wiped out at least 16,000 structures and killed at least 30 people.
Somehow, Mayor Karen Bass’ performance has been magical for Johnson:
Magic Johnson endorses Karen Bass for re-election as LA Mayor; claims she has decreased homelessness and crime.
“She’s doing a tremendous job.” pic.twitter.com/JcZ8FP6UEe
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 11, 2026
Magic was famous for his court vision, but he shows a profound lack of it here with his message to the incumbent mayor as she fights off surging independent Spencer Pratt and democrat socialist City Councilwoman Nithya Rama. He seemingly makes up a list of accomplishments out of whole cloth:
Johnson said his 30-year friendship with Bass and her actions on homelessness and lowering the homicide rates were part of the reasons why he endorsed her.
“She’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass has to have a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said. “Listen, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and all of us appreciate your effort and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city.”
“She’s doing a tremendous job,” he gushed. Does he even live here?
MORE: Anti-Spencer Pratt Attack Ad Implodes Spectacularly As It Makes Slam Dunk Case for LA Mayoral Candidate
Pratt: Is Karen Bass Trolling Palisades Fire Victims With the ‘Deranged’ Theme of This Playground?
Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz summed it up nicely:
I guess his house didn’t burn down. https://t.co/50MuJUlFxR
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) May 11, 2026
Look, I’ve always liked Magic Johnson; he was incredible to watch and has gone on to create a successful business career. He’s entitled to his opinion — but I’m entitled to mine, and it’s that he is wrong on this issue, dead wrong. For many who are enduring the misery of Los Angeles and California’s progressive policies, his luster has just lost a lot of its shine.
RELATED: Morning Minute: Save LA
You down with this, Magic? Because it’s what you’re endorsing:
Magic Johnson endorses Karen Bass for all the great work she has done in LA.
Apparently Magic wants more of this… pic.twitter.com/a8hQyKFkEr
— C3 (@C_3C_3) May 11, 2026
Editor’s Note: Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass, and the “progressives” are ruining California.
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