Magic Johnson touts Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as modern-day version of him and Larry Bird

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird completely transformed the NBA to what it is today.

Magic Johnson touts Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as modern-day version of him and Larry Bird

Magic Johnson agrees Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are modern-day versions of him and Larry Bird in the WNBA

Since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have come into the WNBA, they have thrust the league to a new level of fame. That fame and their own superstardom should help the league change its landscape from a loss-making under-watched sport, to sell-out arenas. Such an impact from the duo is similar to what Magic Johnson and Larry Bird did for the NBA back in the 80’s.

Johnson certainly agreed with the logic and had some advice for the two young ladies. As a guest on Jimmy Kimmel‘s late-night show, the host asked Johnson if he feels they could have the same level of impact as he and Bird did.

YouTube video
I like it and they are. Veterans are going to test you. And if they feel that you’ve gotten more money or more publicity, they’re upset about that. Now, Caitlin, her teammates gotta come to her defense. You can’t allow her to have to fight every battle. But we have to understand Caitlin, Angel, and Brink, who plays for my Sparks, they make the WNBA better. And they’re going to be tested by these incredible women who’ve been in the league for a long time.
Magic Johnson said

The 5-time Champion said that other players will not like what they bring to the table. After all, they have been playing in the league for some time and have not had any similar levels of fame or success. Magic Johnson added that players do not see the long-term benefits. Rather their ego makes them shortsighted, and they end up taking out their jealousy on these rookies. He gave his own example of how his Los Angeles Lakers teammates treated him.

FS Video

But he did say that Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink are bringing change to the WNBA. That change will reap rewards for the league and all other players.

Magic Johnson suggests Caitlin Clark call Larry Bird for advice

Magic Johnson suggested that he and Larry Bird faced the same kind of blowback Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are facing now. He gave a suggestion to Clark on how to deal with this;

Call Larry Bird, ask him for advice. I think that he could give her great advice on how to handle this situation because he went through it himself. It would be a perfect situation. He already lived there, grew up in Indiana, on and on and on. I think it would be great.
Magic Johnson suggested

Johnson feels Larry Bird is only a call away. A sit down with the Hall of Famer could help Clark understand how to deal with pressure. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both been subject to some degree of blowback from WNBA veterans. Handling it correctly is important so that the league does not get any negative response from fans. A few incidents did try to derail the positives that have been happening the league. Both of them handled it well, but Magic Johnson knows this will go on until the rest of the players start to see the advantages.

Private charter flights are one thing. But what will really help them is better pay. Something that both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird helped change in the NBA. Therefore, he has no doubt that Clark and Reese will be able to do the same for the WNBA.

In case you missed: