In 2001, the NBA started giving out the Magic Johnson Award to players who not only excel on the court but also deal graciously with the media and public. It was named after Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers legend who always seemed to be open with the media and find time for every journalist who wanted to ask questions.
The award is voted for and given out by the Pro Basketball Writers Association. It was just announced that Kevin Durant, who currently plays for the Phoenix Suns, has won the award for this season. It is the second time he has taken home the honor.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson congratulated Durant for winning the award again while commending the future Hall of Famer for the work he has done off the court in the Washington, D.C. region, which is where he is originally from. Johnson then jokingly wished that Durant were a member of the Lakers.
Johnson, of course, is now part of a group headed by billionaire investor Josh Harris that owns the Washington Commanders, a team that is rapidly rising through the NFL’s ranks after reaching the NFC Championship Game last season.
Durant is one of the NBA’s greats after 18 seasons in the league, and at age 36, he is still going strong. He is expected to be traded this offseason after a couple of dismal seasons with the Suns, but there seems to be virtually no chance the Lakers will make any real attempt to land him.
This season, the forward averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks a game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from 3-point range.
