during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

With the eyes of the NBA largely focused on the retirement of Kobe Bryant (when not wondering if Golden State sets a new wins record), it was only fitting that one Los Angeles Lakers legend share his thoughts about the latest legendary Laker. Magic Johnson shared a letter to Kobe publicly today, in which Magic claimed one day Bryant will be remembered in the same light as Johnson’s Dream Team teammates Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.

“You are an example to your teammates and fans all over the world through your extraordinary achievements on the court and extensive philanthropic efforts off the court,” Johnson said to Bryant in his letter. Johnson then goes on to recite Kobe’s long list of professional accolades from multiple NBA titles, all-star game appearances and records broken along the way.

“Every night you played, I couldn’t wait to watch knowing that I would witness an unbelievable shot or move that I had never seen on the court,” Johnson continued. “I marveled at the skills and loved the energy you brought to the game wearing that purple and gold uniform. You never disappointed the city, Laker fans, and basketball fans worldwide. All you cared about was winning games and championships and that’s why so many people love you.”

Johnson closes his letter by telling Bryant what many of us already know and expect. Johnson says Bryant will be remembered in a long line of great players that have worn the Lakers uniform, from Jerry West and Elgin Baylor to Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal (which surely will bring a smile to Bryant’s face). It is his next line, though, that really demonstrates just how much Johnson feels about Kobe.

“Very few people have changed the game of basketball but you will be recognized as one of them alongside my “Dream Team” teammates, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.”

Mighty high praise from one hall of fame legend to a future hall of fame player.

[The Playbook]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.