President Barack Obama never passes up an opportunity to express his loyalty to professional sports teams from Chicago. While honoring the Los Angeles Lakers for winning the 2009 NBA title, President Obama trash-talked Lakers legend Magic Johnson for losing to the Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Finals.
“I do want to point out that six of [Phil Jackson’s 10 NBA championships] came with the Chicago Bulls. You remember that, Magic,” President Obama said before imitating the reverse layup that Michael Jordan perfected during the Bulls championship victory over the Lakers. “That was 1990-91. You know, the [Lakers] won the first game and they were feeling cocky. And John Paxson was hitting all of those shots.”
But after talking enough smack to make street ball players from Rucker Park proud, President Obama commended Johnson for his work in the community.
“We are obviously honored to have one of the all-time greats in NBA history, Magic Johnson,” President Obama said moments later. “Magic did pretty well during his time with the Lakers. And now a new generation is continuing his legacy. But obviously part of what makes Magic special wasn’t just how he played on the court, but also just the infectious enthusiasm about life and what he’s now doing with businesses and minority communities. He’s just been an outstanding leader in our country for a long time.” –amir shaw
