Image via Complex Original
As an '80s style icon and arguably the greatest point guard of all time, Magic Johnson has a long and distinguished history as a prioritized resident in the kingdom of dopeness. But Magic's son E.J. Johnson possesses half of the NBA legend's genetic makeup, and thus has a natural ability to stunt. With E.J.—who is featured on the shamelessly depraved E! series #RichKids of Beverly Hills—hashtagging his way to notoriety, we thought it would be an appropriate time to compare and discern the style legacy of Magic Johnson and his up-and-coming son. Oh, and we're keeping score. This is Magic Johnson vs. E.J. Johnson: A Head-to-Head Fashion Battle of Father and Son. Let the games begin.
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Poolside Attire
Winner: E.J. Johnson (1-0, E.J.)
E.J. is killing this pool party, while Magic is dressed like Steve Harvey's weed carrier. Since lumberjack-turned-Urban Outfitters greeter trumps backup bass player for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones every time, E.J. takes a 1-0 lead.
All Red Everything
Winner: Magic Johnson (1-1, tie)
Magic looks like a cosmonaut laying claim to Planet Stunner in this pic. Like, it appears as though he's just discovered an extraterrestrial land inhabited by brioche donuts and water slides. You can't fuck with that "divine leader of uncharted territory" swagger, man.
Head-to-Head Hat Game
Winner: E.J. Johnson (2-1, E.J.)
It's tough to beat a man who wears a cornerstone of his investment portfolio as a fashion accessory, but E.J.'s Chanel nurse cap is v. next level. If you want to impress the bleacher bums at your next ballgame, bust out a designer pill hat and watch the free beers pile up.
The On-Air Wardrobe
Winner: Magic Johnson (2-2, tie)
E.J.'s a little too ambitious in trying to look like an ordained cult leader who works part-time at H&M. Dude seriously looks like he left the monastery to focus on a line of surgical steel jewelry. Meanwhile, pops is flexing at an irresponsible volume. This match-up is more one-sided than the '89 Western Conference Finals.
Balling Without a Budget
Winner: E. J. Johnson (3-2, E.J.)
E.J. wins this one in a landslide. Magic looks like an exasperated dad who has been dragged from Pier 1 Imports to Dick's Sporting Goods in a strip mall, and now he's ready to smash out the headlights of his own car with a pitching wedge. Meanwhile, E.J.'s blocking Twitter trolls and stunting on haters with graceful ease. No contest, really.
Lazy Sunday Stunting
Winner: Magic Johnson (3-3, tie)
Magic hasn't seen the court since Braveheart was in theaters, but the guy still looks like he could straight up start for the Philadelphia 76ers. A lot is made of tailoring and materials, but—quite frankly—pronounced biceps and traps are almost as important.
Vest-ing for Success
Winner: E.J. Johnson (4-3, E.J.)
This is as highly contested a slide as we've seen so far. On one hand, you have Magic looking like he's at a Rick's Cabaret formal event. But E.J. stunts just as hard with his impression of lounge couch at the W hotel. *flips coin* Point, E.J..
The Red Carpet Look
Winner: Magic Johnson (4-4, tie)
Magic's not exactly killing this step and repeat, but his opponent E.J. is so basic that this slide's a blowout. If E.J.'s hitting the red carpet, you expect the guy to turn it up to 11 hunna. But, instead of a silk kimono and Tom Ford loafers made out of endangered black rhinoceros hide, dude looks like he's going to an eighth grade dance or working valet at Dave & Buster's. SMH.
The Business Casual Look
Winner: Magic Johnson (5-4, Magic)
E.J.'s doing his thing, but Magic has the world by the balls in this ensemble. Magic's is the uniform of a man who runs a hedge fund from aboard a Gulfstream jet that's being piloted by a rotating crew of high-priced escorts. Absolutely flawless, No. 32.
Flexing with Fur
Winner: Magic Johnson (6-4, Magic)
Magic's an icon, bruh. And, as ambitious as he is on Instagram, E.J. has a lot of growing up to do. You can't just throw a digitally filtered, dressing room selfie on the Internet and hashtag your way to paragon status. It doesn't work that way. Magic, on the other hand, is dishing 13 assists per night in his prime and walking around town like the exalted king of Swaggerbury. Game. Set. Battle.