Magic Johnson is one of the greatest basketball players ever, but no one considers him the best. LeBron James, on the other hand, is a different story.
The narrative is fierce and stubborn on whichever side of the fence you’re on, but James’ supporters have been saying he’s better than Michael Jordan — most often regarded as the greatest player ever — since before he won a championship.
As of Sunday night, James has three, and three very impressive titles at that.
So, naturally, Johnson congratulated James.
Congratulations to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on winning the NBA Championship!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2016
LeBron James took this series over in the last 3 games, like the great ones do and brought the championship home to Ohio!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2016
But then there was this.
LeBron James with this championship sealed his legacy as one of the five greatest players to ever play this game!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2016
Maybe we’re reading too far into this, and the other tweets help give it more context. But this certainly seems like a bit of a backhanded compliment if there’s ever been one — “Hey, welcome to the club. Just remember your place, kid.”
Then again, LeBron shouldn’t care even if it is a backhanded compliment.
It’s always been him versus Jordan, not Magic. And Sunday night simply reinforced that.
Thumbnail photo via Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports Images
