Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas are two of the most iconic figures from the breakthrough 1980’s generation of the NBA. Back in the 1980’s, Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were the point guards every team had to deal with night in and night out. They were also best of friends seemingly both growing up right before our eyes at the same time. Magic Johnson was leading a Los Angeles Lakers dynasty right out of college and Isiah Thomas was busy making the Detroit Pistons into the next contender in line. The ‘Bad Boy’ Pistons and ‘Showtime’ Lakers were two of the most memorable teams in NBA history with a pair of best friends leading their respective teams.
But off-court squabbles split up the pair best known for sharing a kiss on the cheek before every game they played against each other. After their careers were over, it was learned that Isiah publicly questioned Magic Johnson’s sexuality following his HIV diagnosis and Magic did all he could to keep Isiah off the 1992 Olympic basketball ‘dream team’. They both played a part in the demise of their friendship for years.
As it is with most things, time heals many wounds. The two Basketball Hall of Famers reconciled in an emotional Players Only Monthly special that aired on NBA TV Tuesday night.
“Let me apologize to you. If I hurt you. That we haven’t been together.”#PlayersOnlyMonthly pic.twitter.com/nDpfDfZek8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 20, 2017
