Image via Champion
The NBA swept into the capital earlier this month for it’s annual London Game, with this year’s contest amongst the best yet, seeing the Knicks fall to the Wizards. Giving UK ball fans a glimpse of this sport at the highest level might bring back memories of the 1992 Olympic 'Dream Team', which took over Barcelona's Summer Games and was described as the "rock stars" of the Olympics.
Comprised of all-time greats including Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson—the Dream Team, repping the stars and stripes, were famously emblazoned in the iconic 'C' logo of Champion—the sports brand celebrating its 100th year in 2019. Having played a huge part in some of the most important moments in sports and cultural history, just last year, the Champion Reverse Weave hoodie was permanently installed into the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Magic Johnson led the Lakers to the NBA title in his rookie season and now—as President of Basketball Operations for the franchise that made him a household name—Magic was instrumental in helping to land LeBron James to LA this summer. To celebrate Champion's centenary year, we caught up with NBA all-timer Magic Johnson to discuss his unique perspective of “100 Years for the Team."
You always seem to have your hands involved in a number of projects at the same time, what’s been occupying your time mostly at this moment?
I think first of all I’m just excited about this current Lakers season. Also the upcoming season for the Dodgers and more work with Champion which is shining a light on “team”, my history with the Dream Team and how people can come together. I’m excited about life, it’s wonderful. I’m excited about the changes underway at Champion too, they’re now headed more into the fashion side of things...the stuff now it’s real hot.
As Champion celebrates 100 years, give us the background of your history together?
First of all, to do anything for 100 years, it’s pretty incredible. I’ve always thought it cool that they started the whole ‘hoody’ thing. Give Champion a lot of credit for going outside the box and starting a whole trend but what I’m seeing now, is they’re stylish now, they’re hot! It’s kinda cool to see that you can dress it up or you can dress it down, go to the gym with it, the movies. It’s incredible to me the way they’ve been able to update the brand.
What do you now see as the cultural imprint of Champion?
Being from urban America, the inner city—we always want style, we want something of our own that’s cool and fashionable. The last few years it's been great to see us head down that path, not just clothing, it’s now a lifestyle brand, it’s become part of a lifestyle.
What does the idea of being a "winner" do for you as an athlete?
It’s been easier for me so I can probably speak to the fact that I’ve won my whole life. I won the State Championships (in high school) and then I won the NCAA in College with Michigan State. Then of course we won the gold medal at the Olympic Games. The Dream Team is extra special to me because that team came together when nobody thought we could play together. All these talented individuals that never play together but we came together and we showed the world the United States had the best basketball players. We did it with style and grace too! We captivated the world, everybody was tuned into the Dream Team.
When you think of a team with Magic, Pippen and Jordan, you think of the talent, the athleticism, and the skill. What are some of the intangible factors that make up a winning team that you could tell us about?
First of all you have to be willing to outwork your opponent, it all starts with the hard work. Then you have to have that will to win, and be disciplined with it. Once you’ve got that great attitude and mindset, then from there, really everyone has to play their role. Then last but not least, you have to be the best at something. Larry was the greatest at what he did but Michael was great at what he did. The main thing really for us was sacrifice, we all had to sacrifice individually to make sure the common goal was met and that goal was winning. Being a member of the dream team and having Champion celebrate 100 years, we’re both driven by excellence and that’s why we been able to come together. I like looking good and across my career, they’ve made me look good. I’ve been down with Champion for a long time so I say it’s like I’ve come back home.
In 100 years, what do you think the NBA will look like?
Man! In 100 years I think you’re going to see a World NBA. I really think so. I don’t think there’ll be a European League or the NBA as it is now, they’ll figure out a way to make it a world league and a world game.
So that’s something you would endorse?
Oh for sure! It’d be great because the game is so popular now. We’ve got fans everywhere, They wanna see the team that they love but in future they’ll wanna see their own guys. I can see expanding to around the world, it’ll be a world league and instead of Europe, China having separate leagues it’ll all come together.
Teams are encouraged to share their stories via social media using #Champion100 or through the Champion100.com website for the opportunity to receive limited-edition product, be featured in a centennial celebration video and spotlighted on Champion’s social media channels and website.
