“He was getting away from the game when I needed him the most” - Michael Jordan felt ‘cheated’ when Magic Johnson announced his retirement

After leading his Chicago Bulls triumphant over the mighty Showtime LA Lakers in the 1991 Finals, Michael Jordan told the world that he was worthy of becoming the next face of the league. However, when Magic Johnson stunned the world with his sudden retirement due to HIV, MJ's reaction was unexpectedly personal, as his competitive fire surfaced higher than any other emotion.

The 14-time All-Star felt he was being 'cheated' with Magic's sudden departure, believing it had robbed him of the opportunities to prove his superiority on the court against the Lakers' point guard.

MJ was upset to see Magic go after ending their feud

Mike's relationship with the three-time MVP started at a bad point following the latter's rumored role in his 'freeze out' All-Star Game in 1985. However, after initially being resentful of Magic, he started acknowledging him as the 'driving force,' especially after Johnson won MVP awards in '89 and '90. Consequently, after finally coming to good terms with the 6'9" point guard, Mike was upset to see him go.

"He and I were just establishing a great relationship after the first three or four rocky years," Jordan said . "I didn't really get the opportunity to play basketball against him like I wanted to because he was my driving force."

Jordan knew he wasn't on the same level as Magic and Bird yet

For players of Jordan's generation, comparisons to Magic and Larry Bird were inevitable. While the Bulls guard couldn't avenge Bird and his Celtics after they eliminated them in the first round of the playoffs in '86 and '87, he saw the potential of besting Magic, viewing it as the symbolic passing of the torch.

Before the start of the 1991-92 season, Jordan may have won his first NBA Championship but trailed behind both Larry and Magic in MVP awards. This is why he believed he needed to consistently beat these legends to elevate his status in the league. Magic's retirement had demolished this opportunity.

"I felt I was being cheated that he was getting away from the game when I needed him the most," Jordan added.

That being said, ultimately, Jordan's career trajectory spoke for itself. Despite not facing Bird or Magic in further championship rounds, he surpassed both in individual accolades. With two additional MVP awards and more Finals MVP honors than Bird and Magic combined, Mike became not just the arguably GOAT of basketball but even the greatest global cultural icon.

Related: Michael Jordan declares Magic Johnson as the player who elevated the NBA: "That's where the game changed"