Kevin Johnson Recalls Heated Showdown with Magic Johnson and Byron Scott

The former Suns star refused to be bullied by the Lakers legends during a tense on-court confrontation.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:09am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the heated confrontation between Kevin Johnson, Magic Johnson, and Byron Scott, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of purple, gold, and red conveying the intensity of the moment.A tense on-court clash between three NBA legends captures the competitive fire of 90s basketball.Inglewood Today

In a recent interview, former NBA star Kevin Johnson reflected on a heated moment he had with Lakers legends Magic Johnson and Byron Scott during his playing days. KJ recalled how Magic tried to physically intimidate him, leading to a confrontation where Byron Scott also got involved. Despite the intensity of the situation, Johnson stood his ground and refused to be bullied, even against the Lakers' close-knit duo.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the competitive fire and intensity that defined the NBA rivalries of the 1990s, when stars like Johnson and Scott were at the peak of their powers. It also showcases KJ's fearless mentality and unwillingness to back down, even against some of the league's biggest names.

The details

According to Johnson, the confrontation occurred during a game between the Suns and Lakers. With the Lakers in possession, Magic intentionally held and pushed KJ to prevent him from getting back on defense. Frustrated, Johnson confronted Magic, leading to a shoving match. When Byron Scott then stepped in to defend his teammate Magic, KJ knew he couldn't escalate the situation further, aware of Scott's reputation as a tough, physical player.

  • The incident occurred during a game between the Suns and Lakers.

The players

Kevin Johnson

A former NBA star who played 12 seasons in the league, primarily with the Phoenix Suns. He was a 3-time All-Star and 5-time All-NBA selection known for his quickness and fearlessness.

Magic Johnson

A Lakers legend and Hall of Fame point guard who dominated the NBA in the 1980s, winning 5 championships with the Lakers.

Byron Scott

A former Lakers player who was known for his tough, physical style of play and close relationship with Magic Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“Magic start pushing me underneath, holding my arm, doing all this, and I'm like, 'Get off!' And then the ball get in. We get the ball and Magic runs up to me. We facing off. And I'm thinking, you're not going to bully me. You already did it a year ago. I'mma have to hold my ground. I got to stay on my ground. So, Magic pushed me. I push him back.”

— Kevin Johnson, Former NBA Player

“Next thing I know, Byron Scott coming helping Magic. I'm like, this ain't even right. So then Byron throw a push, shove, hits me on my face and I'm like 'That ain't even right.' So B, what I don't understand — it's not like Magic needed to help.”

— Kevin Johnson, Former NBA Player

“And I was already — you from Inglewood. I already knew that. So I already knew we don't mess with you. I saw you play at Arizona State. You was one of them brothers that had the death stare. Like when you was mad at somebody, you had the death stare. I saw that in college. So I already knew in the league I couldn't mess with you. Why you intervene in that situation? That was not right, Byron.”

— Kevin Johnson, Former NBA Player

The takeaway

This incident showcases the intense rivalries and competitive spirit that defined the NBA in the 1990s, with stars like Johnson, Magic, and Scott willing to get physical to defend their turf. It also highlights KJ's fearless mentality and unwillingness to back down, even against some of the league's biggest names.