Magic Johnson never intended to outshine Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Former Lakers coach Paul Westhead described how Magic Johnson let Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still be the main guy while also performing well for the team.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:19am

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Many pundits and fans assumed that Los Angeles Lakers head coach Paul Westhead would have a problem managing the egos of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. However, Westhead revealed that Johnson embraced the role of a rookie with remarkable humility and didn't have any issue playing alongside Kareem or anyone else on the roster. Contrary to expectations, Johnson didn't break into the scene and take over, but instead utilized his infectious energy to help Kareem and the team in a way that any coach would expect from a newcomer.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into the dynamic between two Lakers superstars, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and how they were able to coexist and thrive together despite initial concerns about potential ego clashes. It highlights Johnson's selflessness and team-first mentality as a rookie, as well as Abdul-Jabbar's willingness to share the spotlight, which contributed to the Lakers' Showtime era success.

The details

According to former Lakers coach Paul Westhead, while Johnson arrived with the hype of an instant superstar, the flashy point guard embraced the role of a rookie with remarkable humility. Westhead noted that Johnson didn't break into the scene and take over, but instead just utilized his infectious energy to help Kareem and everybody on the team in a way that any coach would expect from a newcomer.

  • In 1979, Magic Johnson stepped onto the hardwood as a rookie for the Lakers.
  • By the time Johnson joined the team, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had already secured five MVP awards and cemented his status as a future Hall of Famer.

The players

Magic Johnson

A flashy point guard who joined the Lakers as a rookie in 1979 and went on to become a basketball legend.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

A basketball royalty who had secured five MVP awards and was already a future Hall of Famer by the time Johnson joined the Lakers.

Paul Westhead

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers during Magic Johnson's rookie season.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the selflessness and team-first mentality of both Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who were able to coexist and thrive together despite initial concerns about potential ego clashes. Their shared goal of winning championships and entertaining the Lakers faithful allowed them to put aside individual egos and work in harmony, redefining what it meant to be a superstar duo in the NBA.