If you're a competitive person, that stays with you. You don't stop. You always look over your shoulder.

If you're a competitive person, that stays with you. You don't stop. You always look over your shoulder.

Magic Johnson

I won the city scoring championship as a senior.

I won the city scoring championship as a senior.

I was the original socially depraved shy ghetto kid.

I was the original socially depraved shy ghetto kid.

But in fairness also to the idea of continuing success, you also have to exploit opportunities.

But in fairness also to the idea of continuing success, you also have to exploit opportunities.

We played every night. Sometimes we'd stay overnight after a game, but we'd usually drive on to our next destination.

We played every night. Sometimes we'd stay overnight after a game, but we'd usually drive on to our next destination.

We hung out on the streets, played stickball, and did all of the things that other kids did.

We hung out on the streets, played stickball, and did all of the things that other kids did.

There were riots in just about every game we played with Syracuse.

There were riots in just about every game we played with Syracuse.

We had a strong relationship with Walter Brown and felt that he was the best owner in the league.

We had a strong relationship with Walter Brown and felt that he was the best owner in the league.

But as a coach, I wanted to keep things from being too complicated.

But as a coach, I wanted to keep things from being too complicated.

Bob Brannum was my body guard on the court. He was 6'-6 and built like a bulldog.

Bob Brannum was my body guard on the court. He was 6'-6 and built like a bulldog.

Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.

Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.

If you want someone to be your mentor, you better be ready to listen and be humbled.

If you want someone to be your mentor, you better be ready to listen and be humbled.

I strive under pressure.

I strive under pressure.

Assists are what Earvin is all about. That's what my whole life has been, assisting others.

Assists are what Earvin is all about. That's what my whole life has been, assisting others.

When you are honest and open with young people, they let you in.

When you are honest and open with young people, they let you in.

A woman always remembers. Remember that.

A woman always remembers. Remember that.

I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.

I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.

To me, everything is wonderful. Life is wonderful.

To me, everything is wonderful. Life is wonderful.

If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to use every connection you’ve got.

If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to use every connection you’ve got.