# @magicjohnson on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C8IEdz3PhjA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/37592516-magicjohnson-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/759ed1f77b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-06-12T18:42:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) — https://gondola.cc/MagicJohnson

## Caption

I met Jerry West for the first time in 1979 at the Forum where he introduced me to Bill Sharman, Chick Hearn, and then Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. My father, agent and I negotiated over lunch then Jerry took me to the locker room to show me my Lakers jersey. I started to cry and Jerry explained to me the expectation of wearing the purple and gold, how he saw my role, and how he envisioned me fitting into the organization. I’ll never forget that moment.
 
When training camp began, he gave me so many golden nuggets and really critiqued every facet of my game. After every practice he would give me notes on how I could get better and those sessions carried over to the regular season. Once a week we went over what I needed to improve and how I could dominate in the league. Those meetings meant everything to me because I learned so much from him.
 
We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years. At the camp we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers. Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidante. He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office.
 
Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 87,171
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 831

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Earvin Magic Johnson | @MagicJohnson | https://gondola.cc/MagicJohnson | NBA Player |
| Nicole Ezeh | @nicolenezeh | https://gondola.cc/nicolenezeh | Social Lead |

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