Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Reacts To Heartbreaking News

Magic Johnson sent out a post on X after his former Michigan State teammate passed away.

June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson speaks to media before introducing newly drafted player Lonzo Ball at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Before his legendary 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson played his college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans.

On Monday, Johnson revealed the heartbreaking news that his former teammate Ron "BoBo" Charles had passed away.

Johnson wrote: "I am still in disbelief after hearing the news about my Michigan State University teammate Ron “BoBo” Charles. Ron was such a kind and nice person who never had anything bad to say about anyone. He always stayed positive and treated people with respect.

I had the pleasure of spending two years of my life with him on and off the court at Michigan State. Ron was a great basketball player, super athletic, and played a vital role in us winning the 1979 National Championship.

Cookie and I are definitely devastated and saddened by the news because we were all so close and spent a lot of time together at MSU. Ron is gone way too early and will be sorely missed. We are praying for his two children, extended family and friends across the Virgin Islands and here in the U.S."

I am still in disbelief after hearing the news about my Michigan State University teammate Ron “BoBo” Charles. Ron was such a kind and nice person who never had anything bad to say about anyone. He always stayed positive and treated people with respect.

I had the pleasure of… pic.twitter.com/xBYD2yJnIV

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 22, 2024

Johnson and Charles were teammates for two seasons at Michigan State.

During the 1979 season, they led the Spartans to an excellent 26-6 record.

In addition, the team won the National Championship over Larry Bird and Indiana State.

Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans former player Magic Johnson in the stands prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson finished that season with averages of 17.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.3 steals per contest while shooting 46.8% from the field.

Meanwhile, Charles averaged 8.8 points per contest while shooting 66.5% from the field.