Copyright sportskeeda
It has been four decades since the heyday of the LA Lakers-Boston Celtics rivalry, but Magic Johnson still can't help but take shots at his old rivals. As Johnson celebrated his latest championship victory, he threw in a playful jab that was subtly aimed at the Celtics.After the LA Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays to win the 2025 World Series on Saturday, Johnson joined FOX Sports' post-game panel. The Basketball Hall of Famer, who is an investor in the Dodgers' ownership group, turned a comment about star pitcher Clayton Kershaw into a loaded NBA joke."I'm happy for Kershaw to go out as a champion. And then, I'm happy for myself 'cause that's 18 championship rings," Johnson said, drawing hearty laughter from the panel.FOX Sports: MLB @MLBONFOXLINK"I'm happy for Kershaw to go out as a champion... and then I am happy for myself cause that's 18 championship rings." Magic Johnson had the crew dying laughing 😂The mention of 18 titles, of course, can be viewed as a reference to the longstanding race between the Lakers and the Celtics to get the most championships in NBA history.When LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title, the purple and gold squad was tied with the Beantown squad at 17 championships apiece. Four years later, the Celtics broke that tie when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown propelled the team to their 18th title.Though Boston boasts one more championship banner in the all-time tally, the Lakers squad led by Johnson got the better of the fearsome Celtics team in the 80s. While Larry Bird celebrated three title wins in this decade, Johnson helped the "Showtime" Lakers conquer the NBA summit five times."Be proud of your team, Canada": Magic Johnson shows respect to World Series runner-up after Game 7During the post-game media availability following Game 7, Johnson had some kind words to say about the Toronto Blue Jays, who finished as runner-up in this year's World Series."I would say, be proud of your team, Canada," Johnson said. "They pushed us. We had to go deep to beat them."Johnson called the Blue Jays "an amazing team" and added that he wouldn't be surprised if the team returns to the World Series next year.
