“Michael Jordan played every game” Magic Johnson blames modern superstars for NBA ratings decline

Lakers legend Magic Johnson made an important case regarding the NBA load management involving a story about Micahel Jordan.

“Michael Jordan played every game” Magic Johnson blames modern superstars for NBA ratings decline

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan

NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson masterminded the renowned “Showtime” offense, which won five titles in the 1980s. Despite his well-known love for basketball, he has expressed his displeasure with the way the sport has changed, especially with the introduction of load management. For months, the NBA has been criticized for their drop in ratings.

In an interview with Byron Scott‘s Fast Break Podcast, the 12-time All-Star expressed his dissatisfaction with the NBA’s current situation, highlighting the load management problem in particular. Johnson also opened up on an interesting story regarding NBA legend, Micahel Jordan on a recent segment of a podcast show.

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I love the NBA game. But then I turn on to a game, right, and the stars are not playing because of load management. It’s hurting the game… Was with Michael Jordan — not last summer, but the summer before last — we ran into each other in Europe. And he says, ‘Earvin, I don’t know why these guys…’ If you look at his record, he played almost every game five or six times throughout his career. He didn’t miss one game. He played in every game.

Magic Johnson said

Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan played in an era before NBA players had days off to relax. During his 15-year career, which included his final season in 2002–03, Jordan played nine games and participated in 82 games. During his playing career, Johnson participated in at least 77 games nine times. This showcases the commitment the players had back then towards the sport.

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In the NBA, resting and managing workloads have been hot topics of conversation. Last season, the league put regulations into place to try to stop the tendency. The NBA expanded its player participation regulation for the 2023–24 season, mandating that teams ensure a professional player can play for nationally broadcast games and that not many star players are missing for the same game.

NBA keeping an open eye on the 76ers and Thunder regarding load management issues

The 76ers were fined $100,000 for breaking the NBA’s Player Participation Policy in October 2024. Their stars’ absence from the floor this season was “so glaring that it drew the interest” of the league administration. Given that, the NBA is also keeping tabs on the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding the same issue.

From the start of this season, Joel Embiid caused waves when he announced that he wouldn’t be playing back-to-back games. There was a commotion, and many people thought it was disrespectful to the supporters. The league has been closely monitoring both teams and players ever since. They now have open investigations against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers.

In addition, many teams have been tricking the league and fans by resting their main stars against easy fixtures. This has led to open investigations by the league.

Magic Johnson shared an intriguing story regarding Michael Cooper

While the NBA load management issue continues, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson opened up on how he achieved greatness in the league. Johnson never stops praising every member of their empire. But in the case of Michael Cooper, the five-time winner works an exclusive tune just because he thinks no player will ever be like him.

He pushed me to greatness. I played against him every single day in practice so he pushed me to be great because he was so mean and physical. It didn’t matter your size, he took on everybody.

Magic Johnson said on the ‘Legend of Sport’ podcast
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Cooper was an important member of the Showtime dynasty in addition to practicing hard. Due to his reputation as Larry Bird’s best defender, he was referred to as a ‘Swiss Army knife’ and was an excellent defensive player. He was able to play a variety of offensive positions, including point guard, off-ball, shoot, and act as his teammates’ glue man.