FILE— Basketball players Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. (L) and Kobe Bryant speak at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images/AFP
Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson led the plaudits to Kobe Bryant on Wednesday as the NBA icon prepared to bring the curtain down on his 20-year career.
In a heartfelt open letter posted on his website, Johnson wrote that Bryant will be remembered amongst the elite pantheon of the greatest players ever.
Johnson, who like Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers, saluted Bryant for dedicating his life “to becoming one of the greatest players this game has ever seen.”
“Through your commitment to success, outstanding work ethic, and winning attitude, each year you perfected your abilities beyond expectation,” Johnson said.
“You are an example to your teammates and fans all over the world through your extraordinary achievements on the court and extensive philanthropic efforts off the court.
“As a 5-time NBA champion, 18-time NBA All-Star, NBA MVP and 2-time Finals MVP, you led your team by example and showed them how to achieve greatness.”
Johnson said he had taken delight in watching Bryant as a fan of the Lakers.
“I marveled at the skills and loved the energy you brought to the game wearing that purple and gold uniform,” Johnson said.
“All you cared about was winning games and championships and that’s why so many people love you.
“Very few people have changed the game of basketball but you will be recognized as one of them alongside my ‘Dream Team’ teammates, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.”
Bryant will end his career at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday in front of a sell-out 18,000 crowd.
Ticket prices for the game have hit record levels, with one fan paying $27,500 each for two courtside tickets according to the StubHub exchange.