Lakers legend Magic Johnson sends heartfelt birthday message to Michael Jordan amid controversy

Controversy surrounding Michael Jordan is still ongoing, but Magic Johnson came in to shower the Chicago Bulls legend with a heartfelt birthday wish. Johnson reached out publicly to celebrate Michael Jordan’s birthday at a time when the NBA icon is drawing global attention. The Lakers legend shared the message on X days after Jordan’s NASCAR team secured a historic Daytona 500 victory. It also came as social media debate swirled around a brief post-race interaction that some critics questioned.Johnson kept his focus on friendship and achievement. His post highlighted Jordan’s business success at the Daytona 500 and expressed excitement for his future. Magic Johnson celebrates his longtime friend Michael Jordan’s birthday. Taking to X, he wrote, "Happy Birthday to my great friend MJ! The year is off to a great start with a recent NASCAR win with his business partner Denny Hamlin at the Daytona500, and I’m so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for you!" With the post Johnson shared a few photos of the duo’s on and off-court moments. Jordan’s milestone birthday followed a landmark moment for 23XI Racing, the NASCAR organization he co-owns with Denny Hamlin. On February 15, the team captured its first Daytona 500 title at Daytona International Speedway. Driver Tyler Reddick powered the No. 45 car through a chaotic final lap to secure the win in the 68th running of the race.Jordan compared the achievement to his NBA success. “It feels like I won a championship,” he said. He later added, “It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won't even know,” referencing the traditional Daytona 500 winner’s ring.The celebration in victory lane quickly drew online attention for another reason. Video clips showed Jordan interacting with Reddick’s six-year-old son, Beau. In the footage, Jordan appeared to pinch the child’s cheek and briefly touch his lower back area while speaking to him. Reddick addressed the issue during an appearance on SiriusXM. He said, “From my perspective, I've gotten to know Michael and his family very well over the years I've been here with 23XI, and I don't see what other people see when it comes to this. For me, it's a huge moment; this is the biggest moment of my career. It's a huge moment for my family and for his family.”He continued, “And I just put that off to the side and think about the look on (Michael Jordan's wife) Yvette's face and the whole family and his whole group when they got to victory lane too, and just how happy everybody was celebrating together. So, that's where I'm at with it.”The incident briefly shifted attention away from a breakthrough win. However, the Daytona 500 result stands as a defining chapter in Jordan’s expanding sports legacy. As of now, Jordan has not commented on the controversial incident. Those close to 23XI Racing insist the moment carried no bad intent. A source told Daily Mail, “Look, it's not the most ideal situation for Michael to be in but everyone on the team is looking at it as a playful gesture and nothing more nefarious.” The insider added, “Michael will not be making a habit of doing this in future after all the furor. It was meant as nothing more than playful,” while stressing the hope that fans “can celebrate the big win and not try to turn this incident into something more than it needs to be."