There may not be a more confident man on the planet than Earvin Johnson Jr.
Sixteen months into his job as Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Johnson sat at a podium and shot down the idea of being nervous for the impending free agency period.
“You know how many Finals I’ve been in?” the five-time NBA champion asked. “You think I’m worried about this? I’ve played against Larry Bird in the Finals. Come on, man. I’ve been in nine Finals. I’ve been in the college NCAA championship.
“I’m Magic Johnson.”
Minutes later, Johnson vowed to a huddle of reporters that he would resign from his post if the Lakers didn’t land a star free agent over the next two summers.