I went down and played with Magic Johnson at his all-star game in Atlanta. I remember Magic stopped the game and said, 'We need you here with us in L.A.'
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Magic Johnson was my favorite player growing up.
Michael Jordan and Magic and myself all learned how to play the game in college programs that emphasized the team.
In 1979, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the league. I remember that. Soon after this, the story began to be repeated ad nauseam: the NBA, a tottering mess in the seventies, was saved in the eighties by these two.
I did a few more plays, and then I went to L.A., because I knew I could get a coaching job there.
I grew up in the '80s in L.A., so Ice Cube and Magic Johnson are my heroes.
Oh, I think, watching Magic, him being one of my... I'm one of his biggest fans, and just trying to emulate what he did, going out on the playground, and also playing with older guys.
I came up under the wing of Larry Bowa, and one thing I did not do was ever take a day off from taking pregame groundballs or batting practice. Then the games were just having fun.
I played a lot of right field with Tampa.
Magic Johnson, former basketball player, may run for mayor of L.A. in the next election. Remember the good 'ol days when only qualified people ran for office like actors and professional wrestlers.
The best player I ever played with was Dennis Johnson.