Who did more for the others career: Magic or Kareem?

[D.Brasco]

The role of who was the true leader of the 80's laker dynasty has been debated somewhat. However there is no question the effect kareem and magic had on each other's career. For Kareem it was the revitalization of his later career after several years of limited team success. For magic it was being able to start your career on a contender.

I personally don't believe Kareem would have won nearly as many championships nor even extended his career as long as he did without magic being drafted. As for magic it is also debatable of how much he would have won without starting on a championship contender with dominant center like Kareem.

Assuming these two never met who do you think would have lost the most from not playing with each other?

[penbeast0]

I think Kareem gained more from the association. From all reports, he was not enjoying basketball anymore, was not communicating with his teammates, and was going through the motions -- at an incredibly high level but without the passion for the game. Magic pulled him out of his shell.

If Magic had gone to Phoenix or whereever, he still would have been an incredible mismatch with wonderful skills and a fan favorite. Even with no championships, he'd still be in the conversation for GOAT PG assuming equal health, though he'd probably be rated 10-20 instead of 3-8.

Kareem would still be considered top 10, maybe even top 5 so his rating might not drop as much but his career would have been a much poorer and less rewarding thing both for him and his fans.

[ThaRegul8r]

Kareem wouldn't have played 20 years without Magic, so the longevity wouldn't be there, or the six rings, or the Finals MVP at 38, and Karl Malone would be the all-time leading scorer.

[thizznation]

I agree with Kareem. He was already a HoFer before Magic but like Regulator and penbeast said, Magic's presence was a breath of fresh air for Jabbar.

Finals MVP at age 38 is pretty incredible.

[FuShengTHEGreat]

Magic did more for Kareem's career. Magic as the PG in games they played together actually grabbed more rebounds than Kareem. Magic was also a vocal leader, Kareem was reclusive as a leader although having great statistical seasons.

If Kareem played for any other franchise other than LA, he wouldn't have made it to age 42.

[kasino]

I don't think Lakers win any titles without Kareem

[ardee]

I think Kareem gained more from the association. From all reports, he was not enjoying basketball anymore, was not communicating with his teammates, and was going through the motions -- at an incredibly high level but without the passion for the game. Magic pulled him out of his shell.

If Magic had gone to Phoenix or whereever, he still would have been an incredible mismatch with wonderful skills and a fan favorite. Even with no championships, he'd still be in the conversation for GOAT PG assuming equal health, though he'd probably be rated 10-20 instead of 3-8.

Kareem would still be considered top 10, maybe even top 5 so his rating might not drop as much but his career would have been a much poorer and less rewarding thing both for him and his fans.

And if that happens Larry Bird might end up top 3..

[JordansBulls]

Magic did more for Kareem's career. Magic as the PG in games they played together actually grabbed more rebounds than Kareem. Magic was also a vocal leader, Kareem was reclusive as a leader although having great statistical seasons.

I think another thing to consider is had the trade went down in 1982

From 1982

Ralph Sampson would have left for the NBA early if the Lakers were guaranteed to get the #1 pick that year. Meanwhile, the Lakers were working on a blockbuster trade with 3 other teams (3rd team undisclosed). Here's how part of it would have shaped up --

Proposed Trade

NY Knicks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (from LAL)

LA Lakers
Michael Ray Richardson (from NYK)

Utah Jazz
Bill Cartwright (from NYK)

Imagine the Lakers trading Kareem during the playoffs! This was broadcast during halftime of Game 4 of the ECF (Sixers/Celtics) that year.


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