Hooped Up

Magic Johnsonin a soon-to-be-released book,Isiah Thomas said he’d had enough. And so he began to fight back.

“I’m really hurt, and I really feel taken advantage of for all these years,” said Thomas. The criticisms are made by Johnson in When the Game Was Ours, which he co-wrote withLarry Birdand authorJackie MacMullan.

Magic addresses years of rumors by finally accusing Thomas of questioning his sexuality after Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991. Magic also admits that he joined withMichael Jordanand other players in blackballing Thomas from the 1992 Olympic Dream Team, saying, “Isiah killed his own chances when it came to the Olympics. Nobody on that team wanted to play with him. … Michael didn’t want to play with him.Scottie[Pippen] wanted no part of him. Bird wasn’t pushing for him.Karl Malonedidn’t want him. Who was saying, ‘We need this guy?’ Nobody.”

SI.com

This fall, Converse will give the 86′ classic Weapon a 2009 upgrade and dub them the “Weapon EVO” and it’s about time!

Made famous by legends Larry Bird who wore the black and white colorway and Magic Johnson who wore the purple and gold colorway. The New Weapon EVO, is available in these old favorite colors with the Bird version calling an audible from white to green trim. The other noticeable upgrade the Weapon EVO makes from it’s ‘86 roots, is providing your foot with way more comfort.

You can also cop these ill kicks in 6 other oldie but goodie colorways in a Fashionista sneaker store near you.

After the jump, my two favorite old school Weapon commercials and a sneak peek at the Bird Weapon EVO.

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When I look at these assist numbers, the stat geek in me starts to drool! From 1979–1996 Magic Johnson dished out 10,141 dimes putting him fourth all-time in assist and he’s the NBA’s all-time leader in assists per game, with an average of 11.2 apg.

Magic led the league in regular-season assists four times, shares the single-game playoff record for assists (24),holds the Finals record for assists in a game (21), and has the most playoff assists (2,346). He also holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists (127).

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In 905 NBA games, Johnson scored 17,707 points, 6,559 rebounds, and 10,141 assists, translating to career averages of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game. Along the way he also amassed a ton of spectacular clutch plays that added to his legend.

Say what you will, but if I had my pick of any player that’s ever played to take a big shot to win a game I’d go with Ervin Magic Johnson every single time!

Check out these Top 10: Magic Johnson Clutch Plays and you’ll see why.

Happy 50 Magic!

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. Magic Johnson is the best basketball player I have ever seen play basketball in my entire life. Yesterday, Magic Johnson who was named one of the 50 best players of all-time turned 50 years old and on Friday. NBATV will be celebrating the man that lead the Lakers infamous fastbreak for over a decade.

Today I’ll celebrate my favorite player EVAH, by looking back at the Top 5: Magic Johnson Moments of his awesome career.

Happy birthday Magic!

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Yesterday, millions watched the memorial service of pop icon Michael Jackson on the Internet causing a 19% spike in world internet traffic and over 18,000 where in attendance to pay their last respects to Michael Jackson at the Staples Centre.

Laker greats Kobe Bryant and Michael Johnson were some of the official guest invited to MJ’s memorial and each of them spoke of their experiences with Michael Jackson and what he meant to them in their lives. Magic Johnson’s chicken story about Jackson was definitely one of the funniest moments of the day at such a sad time.

Other official celebrities guest  that were in attendance included Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Brooke Shields, John Mayer, Martin Luther King III, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson.

RIP Michael Jackson

After the jump my two favorite Michael Jackson videos of all-time.

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LeBron James is the best player I have ever seen play basketball since Magic Johnson.

Just like Magic, LeBron can easily dominate a game if he feels like it, in any aspect and it’s scary. Every time I watch him play, I’m more impressed with his basketball IQ each time and he’s only getting better at just 24 years old. Soak in this sexy LeBron James behind the back pass to Anderson Varejao and recognize this season he’s having is only the tip of the iceberg in a brilliant career.

The best play I have ever seen, interviews the second best player I have ever seen. It’s a good day!