Magic Johnson Tells Jimmy Kimmel He and Kobe Bryant 'Idolized Each Other'

Magic Johnson appeared on Tuesday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and opened up about the late Kobe Bryant and the mutual respect the two Los Angeles Lakers legends had for each other.

"We idolized each other," Johnson said.

Kimmel introduced the Hall of Famer as the perfect person to cheer Los Angeles up, and Johnson spent much of his time reflecting on a number of Bryant stories.

He told Kimmel they played one-on-one just one time because Bryant got mad Johnson called so many fouls, and the host showed a clip of the Black Mamba saying the same thing during his appearance on the show in 2018.

Kimmel also asked Johnson about the ability of both players to capture the imagination of Los Angeles, and he said, "We both poured our heart and soul into performing every night in Los Angeles for the greatest fans on earth. ... Every night you came to Staples Center, you knew you were going to see something special, something great."

Johnson's appearance came after he provided an emotional tribute to the late Bryant and his daughter Gianna—who were among the nine people who died in Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas, California—on Twitter.

"

We love you forever. #8 #24❤️

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

"

He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020"

Kimmel revealed Johnson was booked to appear on Tuesday's show for weeks and thanked him for appearing during an emotional time for the city.

"Kobe wouldn't want me to cancel," Johnson said. "Kobe would want us all to carry on."