Magic wasn't even the greatest Laker. LOL I was a Bad Boys Pistons fan back when MJ was establishing himself, so I certainly was no MJ fan back then but he won me over by the time his career was complete. I eventually became a Spurs fan so you won't ever get me to agree about any Laker being the greatest though I'll not argue much about Kareem being in that discussion. Larry Bird was just a freak of nature. I did enjoy him and Magic going at it though. Good times.
I was not a Lakeshow fan either. I despise the Spurs. Detroit back in the day made me laugh because they were freakin gang bangers. Especially Laimbeer. Do you recall the play-off game where Magic and Isaiah Thomas kissed full on the mouth at center court before the game?
However, Magic was a freak of nature. He was not shooter when he entered the league. He could shoot some, but was essentially the creator. But later, as pieces left the Lakers she had to step up. He spent an off season teaching himself how to be a scorer. And I believe they won a championship that season. I always respected him, while still disliking him because I was a Mavericks fan.
You may, or may not remember this. Or even have seen it.
Dallas had the Lakers down 3-2 back in the Mark Aguirre Rolando Blackman day. Dallas has the ball with maybe 15 seconds left. Derek Harper brought the ball up and stood in the open area above the key, dribbling. He dribbled out the clock thinking Dallas had the lead. The Lakers went on to win that game and the next to head to the championship series.
I hated that, but vehemently disagree MJ was the best ever. Frankly, people don't bring this up, but Bill Russel has to be in the discussion of best ever. My list may not have Lebroin in the top 7. Oscar Robertson also has to be considered.