The name Earvin “Magic” Johnson is synonymous with excellence.
He now has 18 championship rings, thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers winning another World Series.
Johnson is part-owner of the Major League Baseball franchise; however, basketball fans know five of those are from when he played during the “Showtime Era” of the Lakers.
“I was so happy for the fans because this is a city of champions,” he explained to KTLA 5’s Melvin Robert of the Dodgers’ win. “I was happy for Clayton Kershaw to go out on top as a World Series champion, especially all he has done for us on the mound as well as in the community. Then we have the greatest baseball player in the world, Shohei Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers. So you know, it’s all good in Dodger Nation.”
While Monday’s festivities were “rocking,” according to the NBA legend, he said it’s all anyone can talk about days later.
“Everybody is talking about these Dodgers,” he exclaimed. “We’ve got the Lakers playing now, so it’s great. So, Lakers, you’ve watched the Dodgers win it. Now, it’s your turn.”
With two back-to-back World Series championships, there has been talk about a three-peat next season. KTLA 5 Morning News anchor Frank Buckey asked Johnson about the possibility of that with the current team.
“First of all, as ownership, you want to keep the team together as much as possible, but that’s sometimes out of our hands, right? But yes, it is a possibility, because normally the main players — the leaders —stay, so we’re looking forward to that challenge,” Johnson said. “It was a challenge for us to be back-to-back champions. So, you know, it’s a real challenge to go three in a row. But when you have great pitching, you’ve got a great manager, Dave Roberts is a Hall of Fame manager, and so I think that we have the people in the clubhouse to try to win three in a row.”
If it’s one thing Johnson knows, it’s the power of a team.
He’s teamed up with Cigna Healthcare for an album called “Magic Sounds,” which is aimed at promoting mental wellness by helping people cope with stress.
“This album is backed by science, and it’s showing us that if you’re in the workplace and you get your break, and you listen to some calming music, it will help you be even more productive during your everyday journey in life,” he explained.
The three-time NBA MVP noted that the album is free because “the only thing we want to do, Cigna and I, is help people relieve stress or deal with mental health issues.”
The power of music really is healing.
“Research continues to show that music and sound can activate key areas of the brain tied to memory, emotion, and attention—helping to lift mood, foster calm, and improve emotional resilience,” said National Medical Executive for Behavioral Strategy and Product Design for Cigna Healthcare, Dr. Stuart Lustig.
While the music is mostly calming, he did add a song that will get you pumped for the gym.
“Listen, music helped me in my everyday journey. It helped me to perform well on the basketball court. I listened to it before games, and I listen to it now after a hard day at the office. It just helps me decompress and calm myself down. That’s why I love music. Always have, always will.”
So, what was on Johnson’s playlist before hitting the court?
“Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Lionel Richie, the Commodores, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Prince,” he named with a quickness. “I love upbeat music before my games, and then after my games, I want to mellow R&B.”
While the music is promoted by Johnson, don’t expect to hear him on any of the tracks.
“No singing, no songs from me,” he laughed.
“Magic Sounds” will be released on Nov. 14 on Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon and Apple Music.
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