Which NBA great was Russell Westbrook's favorite player growing up?

Russell Westbrook's favorite player growing up was NBA great Magic Johnson. Westbrook has cited Johnson as an early basketball hero, an influential choice for a guard known for his passing, playmaking, rebounding and high-tempo style.

Johnson became a Los Angeles Lakers icon during the 1980s. At 6 feet 9 inches, he was unusually tall for a point guard and helped redefine the position with his court vision, creativity and leadership. His rivalry with Larry Bird also became one of the NBA's defining storylines.

A common mix-up is Michael Jordan, whose popularity dominated Westbrook's childhood and whose competitive intensity resembles parts of Westbrook's game. However, when Westbrook was asked directly about his favorite player growing up, he named Johnson. Westbrook later became an NBA MVP and one of the league's most prolific triple-double producers.