Mon Sep 15 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Magic Johnson Reaffirms Michael Jordan as GOAT, Snubs LeBron from Lakers All-Time List

**Atlanta, GA -** The age-old debate of Michael Jordan versus LeBron James continues to rage, and NBA legend Magic Johnson has once again weighed in, firmly siding with his former Dream Team teammate. Speaking at Invest Fest 2025 in Atlanta, Johnson recounted the iconic moment from the 1991 NBA Finals where Jordan, facing Johnson’s Lakers, switched hands mid-air and banked a shot, saying, “There’s nobody alive that’s just been able to do that. That boy is too bad.”

This isn’t the first time Johnson has declared Jordan the GOAT, and he reiterated his stance despite acknowledging James’ greatness. “He’s a bad boy, too, but he’s not Michael,” Johnson stated, “Don’t get it twisted. I love LeBron. But uh, uhm…no, no, no.”

Johnson’s support for Jordan extends beyond just the “GOAT” title. At a recent Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation event, he was also asked MJ versus Bron questions, and aside from picking Mike as his GOAT based on the same story above, he also left out James from his list of all-time Top 5 favorite Lakers players. He named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West and then added James Worthy. “Kobe going to be one with Kareem,” Johnson told the crowd. “Nobody is like Kobe. His killer mentality, hitting big shots after big shots, but also loved being a Laker, loved playing in Los Angeles. He represented the city. Let’s clap for Kobe. We miss him. Nobody is like Kareem. Oh my goodness, the skyhook. He was so intelligent, basketball IQ off the charts. I just loved playing with Kareem. He’s just awesome…So I would say Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, and when I think about it, you have to put Wilt and Jerry in there. James Worthy would definitely qualify. But you try to do five Lakers, and it’s impossible.”

The 1991 Finals moment clearly remains a pivotal memory for Johnson. Game 2, in particular, saw Jordan dominate with 33 points on 15-18 shooting, including 13 consecutive makes capped off by the legendary switch-hands layup. The Bulls won that game 107-86, taking a 2-0 series lead and ultimately securing their first NBA championship in five games.

Johnson’s perspective carries significant weight, having played against Jordan at his peak and alongside him on the Dream Team. His repeated endorsement of Jordan as the greatest solidifies his position in this ongoing debate.

*This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 13, 2025.*

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