LeBron James Opens Up About His Childhood Hero

LeBron James tried to ‘stay low-key’ since the news broke about him signing with the Lakers, and he managed to keep himself ‘off the radar’ for quite some time, with an exception of him attending a Lakers’ Summer League game in Las Vegas, as well as grassroots youth basketball games.

When he spoke publicly for the first time since agreeing to terms and eventually signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, it became clear that president of basketball operations Magic Johnson was a pretty big factor in why he chose to head west.

“Being able to partner with Magic Johnson,” James said in a video on his “Uninterrupted” media platform about why he joined the Lakers and why he’s so excited about opening his I Promise School.

“[Magic was] someone I kinda looked up to when I was younger,” James continued. “I wanted to make no look passes like Magic, wanted to get on the break and be showtime like Magic.”

James will now get that chance on a roster that appears to be the fastest team he’s ever played on, and his respect for Johnson both now as an adult, as well as during his childhood promises a great connection between them and a great foundation upon which to build the team they both think can win a championship.

As a person, Magic serves as an inspiration to millions and has probably played a key part is saving actual lives thanks to his approach to HIV, including his charitable work regarding the disease and other causes.

Johnson is one of the most successful athlete businessmen the world has ever produced, so it’s no surprise that James cited him as an example of the impact he is trying to have on and off the basketball court.

Speaking of basketball, LeBron really is the modern evolution of Magic. Standing at the exact same height, elite vision, pass-first tendencies and a mind for the game that is quite probably unequaled across the entire NBA, he’s basically Magic 2.0.