Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson most probably had one of his best days as a sports professional on his recent visit to the White House. Johnson met with US President Joe Biden, who awarded the Lakers legend the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This honor is probably one of the biggest awards a sportsman in the United States would achieve.
As his tenure drew to a close, Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the United States in various fields, such as the arts, economics, and the country’s culture. This will probably rank as one of the greatest moments in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson took to his social media to showcase his ‘thanks’ to Biden and the US.
I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards of the United States.
Magic Johnson wrote on X
Moreover, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington were also awarded the medal by President Joe Biden. Lead singer Bono of U2, TV personality and scientist Bill Nye, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, and lifelong politician Hillary Rodham Clinton were among the other recipients of the honor on Saturday.
I am so humbled and overwhelmed with emotion right now. It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this kid from Lansing, MI would one day… pic.twitter.com/3gFsus16cA
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 4, 2025
Aside from this, as a member of the ownership groups for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, the Washington Commanders of the NFL, Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, and the Washington Spirit of the NWSL, Johnson has become a successful businessman. In addition, underprivileged areas are also aided by his charitable endeavors through the Magic Johnson Foundation.
Former NBA star rates Magic Johnson very highly in the NBA
Recently, Penny Hardaway appeared as a guest on Draymond Green‘s podcast. One of the most common questions players ask one another is, “What are your top five point guards of all time?” Green asked Hardaway this question during the episode. It’s difficult to pick only five PGs from a league with so much skill. Nevertheless, Hardaway tried it.
I’m starting with Magic [Johnson] ’cause that’s my guy. I’m putting Steph [Curry] in there for sure. I wanna throw my boy GP [Gary Payton] in there because he played both sides of it—I’m going GP. You gotta put J [Jason] Kidd in there. It gets real tough. I got so many guys, man, like… it’s so many great ones, bro. I gotta pick one more, though. Oh, I know I’m in that five. I’ll just say ‘and me,’ that’s where I’mma leave it.
Penny Hardaway said on the Draymond Green Show
Penny Hardaway lists his top 5 point guards in NBA history:
– Magic Johnson
– Steph Curry
– Gary Payton
– Jason Kidd
– HimselfThoughts? 🤔
(via @DraymondShow)pic.twitter.com/8ELK5ZQHqk
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 19, 2024
In a league with so many outstanding point guards, it was hard for even Penny Hardaway, a four-time All-Star, to pick only five. When Hardaway got stuck at just four, both hosts, Baron Davis and Draymond Green, attempted to help him finish his top five. It’s noteworthy that Hardaway put Magic Johson at the top of his list. This demonstrates the influence of the Lakers legend on the game.
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