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Lakers Hall-of-Famer Claps Back at Anthony Edwards Over Recent Comments

Anthony Edwards said there were no skilled players outside of Michael Jordan in the 1990s.

In a recent sit-down with Stephen A. Smith on noleash.tv, Magic Johnson eviscerated Anthony Edwards. The legendary point guard responded to Edwards’ controversial remarks. Edwards claimed there were no skilled players outside of Michael Jordan in the 90s. Magic’s retort?

Laker Hall-of-Famer Claps Back at Anthony Edwards Over Recent Comments

A Storied Career

To understand why Magic responded so sharply, we need to revisit his legacy. Magic is one of the most accomplished players in NBA history. He was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. Almost immediately, Magic proved he was special. In his rookie season, he led the Lakers to an NBA title. He was named Finals MVP that year, a rare feat for a rookie.

Magic’s success didn’t stop there. Over the course of his career, he won five NBA championships and three NBA MVP awards. He was also named to the All-Star team 12 times. In college, Magic was equally impressive. He led Michigan State to an NCAA Championship in 1979, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State team. His performance in that tournament was so outstanding that he was named the Most Outstanding Player.

Beyond the numbers, Magic was known for his leadership and vision on the court. He was a point guard who could do it all—score, pass, rebound, and defend. Magic’s ability to elevate his teammates set him apart from other greats. He was a player who knew how to win, and he did it repeatedly.

A Budding Star

Now, let’s look at Edwards. Drafted first overall in 2020 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards has shown promise. In his rookie season, he averaged 19.3 points per game. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next few seasons, he improved, becoming the Timberwolves’ cornerstone player. By the 2023-24 season, Edwards was averaging over 25 points per game. He also earned an All-NBA second-team selection during the 2023-24 season.

Impressively, Edwards led his team to their 12th-ever playoff appearance. The Timberwolves, with Edwards at the helm, have made three postseason appearances. In the first two trips, they failed to advance past the first round. The Timberwolves made it all the way to the Western Conference finals this past season where they lost 4-1 to the Dallas Mavericks. Going back, Edwards didn’t achieve significant success in college or high school. This is a far cry from Magic’s decorated career.

Edwards’ comments about the 90s NBA seem especially bold considering this. That era is widely regarded as one of the toughest in NBA history. Magic was a key figure mostly during the late 80s but also the early 90s, battling against legends like Bird, Isiah Thomas, and MJ. For Edwards to dismiss the skill level of that time would naturally rub someone like Magic the wrong way.

Magic Johnson Puts Anthony Edwards in His Place

Magic’s response, “I never respond to a guy who’s never won a championship,” drives home a key point. In Magic Johnson’s eyes, Anthony Edwards hasn’t earned the right to make such sweeping statements. Magic himself won championships at every level—high school, college, and the NBA. He understands what it takes to win and the value of respecting those who’ve done it before.

Magic’s criticism also reflects his belief in earning respect through accomplishments. He was never one to shy away from competition. In fact, he thrived on it, as seen in his many battles with Bird, which defined an era. To Magic, winning championships wasn’t just about personal glory. It was about proving oneself on the biggest stage, time and again.

Edwards, on the other hand, is still early in his career. He’s shown flashes of greatness, but he hasn’t yet reached the pinnacle of success. For Magic, that’s a crucial distinction. Before someone criticizes an era or its players, they should have the accolades to back it up.

The Last Word

In the end, Magic Johnson’s response to Anthony Edwards was more than just a clapback. It was a reminder of what it takes to be great in the NBA. It was also a call for the younger generation to respect the legends who paved the way. For Edwards, it’s a lesson that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about proving it when it matters most.

Frederick Okocha

Frederick Okocha

Freddie is obsessed with the NBA. He enjoys watching a game of basketball as much as playing a pickup game. Player comparison: plays like Adrian Dantley in his prime.

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