Earvin “Magic” Johnson turned 58 years old on Monday, and the president of the Lakers received plenty of love from Laker nation and the rest of the NBA. Johnson is one of the league’s most beloved figures and greatest players of all-time, so he got messages from around the league wishing him the best on his birthday.
Among those to wish Johnson the best and offer some brief thoughts on his greatness on and off the court were Dwyane Wade and Dominique Wilkins, who offered kind words about their long-standing relationships with the current Lakers boss.
Happy BDay to the GREAT @MagicJohnson thanks for being more than a basketball idol. Thanks for being a mentor 2 me when I was finding my way
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 14, 2017
However, no one’s happy birthday message became fodder for conversation quite like LeBron James’ message on Twitter to Magic, thanking him for always believing in him.
Happy birthday @MagicJohnson!! One of the few that's always showed love from day 1 to me! Thank you. Enjoy your day!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 14, 2017
It’s a nice birthday message, but because it came from James. The reason is, if you somehow have been not paying attention to anything all summer regarding the NBA and missed it, James is going to be a free agent next summer and there have been reports the Lakers are one of the few (and maybe the only one) on the short list of teams he would consider if leaving Cleveland. So, when James’ tweet went out, the immediate reaction from many, especially in Los Angeles, was to see it as some sort of hint that he wants to be a Laker.
Does James’ tweet mean anything for his plans for the summer of 2018? Almost assuredly not, but that won’t stop fans from getting very excited that James seems to have a great deal of reverence for Magic.
— LakersSZN (@SplashandSmash) August 14, 2017
Just imagine working with him on the Lakers plz
— Justin Taylor (@TheSmarmyBum) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/TheNextBlGThing/status/897119054330118144
Bron to LA Confirmed pic.twitter.com/jFC6m0VGbU
— DJ Stik (@ThatDJStik) August 14, 2017
Gonna be your president of operations next year this time…..
— Allen G (@Allen_G88) August 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/iSeanAnderson/status/897133699086467072
Lebron to lakers comfirmed pic.twitter.com/IWBX7LYLVE
— Don Macavelli (@DonMacavelli33) August 14, 2017