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Reading: Gilbert Arenas Explains Why Magic Johnson Has The Best Nickname In NBA History
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Gilbert Arenas Explains Why Magic Johnson Has The Best Nickname In NBA History

Gilbert Arenas Explains Why Magic Johnson Has The Best Nickname In NBA History

Gilbert Arenas thinks the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, has the best nickname in the history of the NBA.

Aikansh Chaudhary
May 5, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

The NBA has seen some truly legendary players flaunt their talent in the league over the years. The Los Angeles Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, is certainly among them.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas recently spoke about Johnson’s nickname ‘Magic.’ Arenas believes it’s the best nickname in the history of the NBA.

“Magic. The reason I say that is the best nickname is because we thought that was his real name,” Arenas said. “We called him Magic Johnson. Didn’t even know his name was Earvin. Everybody else’s nickname was a nickname, we thought Magic Johnson was real. When we talk about Magic Johnson, and everyone says the best point guard and everything, we say ‘Magic’, ‘Johnson’. Not knowing the n****’s name is Earvin.”

Which hooper got the best nickname? pic.twitter.com/9zdUeIRvV8

— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) May 4, 2023

What Arenas said is undoubtedly true, as even today, most people call the Lakers legend, Magic. It’s one of the most iconic nicknames, and Johnson truly lived up to it.

But how did Earvin Johnson become Magic Johnson? Well, the credit goes to a local sportswriter during his high school basketball career.

The Lansing State Journal’s Fred Stabley Jr. coined this nickname for Earvin after his 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists performance against St. Mary.


Is Magic Johnson Still The Best Point Guard In NBA History?

Magic Johnson had a certain swagger in his game when he was on the court during his playing days. In his career, Johnson won several accolades, including five NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Johnson is widely regarded as the best point guard in the history of the NBA. But Shaquille O’Neal believes Stephen Curry is the GOAT PG over Magic.

“You have to say he’s the best point guard ever,” O’Neal said. I’m having a discussion with my guy Jamal Crawford, he’s saying, ‘He’s not a traditional point guard.’ The game has evolved. His position says point guard. Doesn’t matter.”

Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball with his amazing three-point shooting ability. Moreover, it’s not that Curry doesn’t have accolades to his name. Steph is a four-time NBA champion, among other things.

If he can win championship number five this season, there will legitimately only be a small difference between him and Magic, if any.

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TAGGED:Gilbert ArenasMagic Johnson
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ByAikansh Chaudhary
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Aikansh Chaudhary is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He is always ready to publish the most interesting news, legendary throwbacks, and the hottest buzz around the NBA. A die-hard Lakers fan, Aikansh will forever uphold LeBron James as the GOAT. In his free time, you can either find him playing basketball or soccer. Expertise: NBA, Trades, ThrowbacksFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersFeatured On A.M. HoopsPrevious Work: EssentiallySports, Sportskeeda, Lake Show Life, The Sports Rush
Previous Article Rip Hamilton Told His Kids That He Is The Owner Of Jordan Brand And Then They Met Michael Jordan: “Hey MJ, You Got My Dad’s Stuff On”
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