"You have your drinks, get up, go play 18 rounds of golf, sleep for an hour and then come and get 30 by halftime" - Magic Johnson explains why Michael Jordan was the strongest athlete he's ever seen
Magic Johnson called Michael Jordan the strongest athlete he has ever seen. Johnson explained to NFL legend Shannon Sharpe how crazy Jordan's schedule was when they played together for the Dream Team.
On a recent episode of the "Club Shay Shay" podcast, Sharpe asked Johnson about MJ's extra curricular activities not having an effect on his game. The LA Lakers legend shared the story of how Jordan tried to invite him to hangout in 1992. He turned the offer down because he'd have a terrible game afterwards.
"He was the strongest, not basketball player, athlete I've ever seen, because he could do just what you said," Johnson said. "If I tried to do that, I'd be 0-for-15, no assists, I'd be dragging. And he tried to get me to do it with him right, during the Dream Team.
"'MJ, MJ,' I said, 'What's up?' (He said), 'Come on and hang with me.' I said, 'Mike, I can't hang until 4 o'clock. You have your drinks, get up, go play 18 rounds of golf, sleep for an hour and then come and get 30 by halftime. I can't do that, I can't do that. I know who I am.'"
Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson are two of the greatest players in history. They teamed up in 1992 as part of the Dream Team and won an Olympic gold medal. However, they were two different players who were built differently.
Jordan loved to smoke cigars, gamble, play golf and have a great night out. He would then have a great game despite not having enough rest. Meanwhile, Johnson liked peace and quiet, and his rest and sleep.
What was Magic Johnson's routine during his playing days?
While talking about Michael Jordan's insane routine with Shannon Sharpe, Magic Johnson also revealed his routine. Johnson explained that he wanted to be alone as he prepared for games. He added that he was a different player than everybody else because of how much he needed to study plays.
"I have my house quiet, my car, nobody ride with me," Johnson said. "I had to get there three to four hours before. You only had to be there an hour and a half, right? I had to go there way way before that so I can get ready because I had so much I had to remember.
"Our plays, their plays, make sure the guys are in position. And then I would go out and do my thing. I would always get my rest. ... I didn't hang out during the season. I was prepared mentally, physically."
Despite the differences between the two legends, they were successful in their own way. Michael Jordan won six championships, six NBA Finals MVPs and six NBA MVPs with the Chicago Bulls. He also cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time.
Meanwhile, Magic Johnson won five championships, three NBA Finals MVPs and three NBA MVPs with the LA Lakers. He's considered the greatest point guard ever.