Before an attentive crowd, Magic Johnson performed something that Lakers fans have become accustomed to seeing.
Johnson dished. He flashed his signature Magic smile. Johnson brought a championship mind-set.
This time, the setting didn’t take place in the Fabulous Forum. Johnson wasn’t making a beautiful no-look pass. He wasn’t smiling over a clutch shot, such as his junior hook in Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. No confetti dropped from the ceiling commemorating the Lakerswinning yet another title.
Johnson instead offered a different version of Showtime.
This came in the form of Johnson standing on stage recently at the Skirball Cultural Center where he hosted a brunch honoring 33 members of the Taylor Michaels Scholarship program. Johnson dished it by handing the scholars a bag filled with a digital camera, certificate and notebook to congratulate them for obtaining a bachelor's degree. Johnson flashed his smile when he gushed about the 14-year scholarship program, backed by his foundation, that has supported 423 minority students. He reinforced a championship mind-set when he continuously challenged the students to independently map out their future.
“Yes, we give you the check. Yes, we support you,” Johnson said. “But it’s still going to be up to you. Whatever you want in life, whatever it is, you will have that opportunity and chance.”
