If there’s one man that knows what it’s like to be a part of an incredible team, it’s Magic Johnson.

Growing up in suburban Australia in the 90s there was something nearly mythical about Magic Johnson. You’d seen the highlights, you’d collected the Upper Deck trading cards, and he was always one of the first players you’d pretend to be when you hit the courts with your mates. His record speaks for itself; three NBA MVPs, all-time NBA assists record, Dream Team member, four NBA championship, and that’s not even scratching the surface.

Magic has recently connected with iconic sportswear label Champion, who are celebrating 100 years of team spirit, and become the face of their Champion 100 campaign. The global campaign asks you to share your team story using the #Champion100 hashtag, and looks at the enduring nature of team spirit across all sports.

Here, we chat with the legend himself and talk about legacy, what it means to be a part of the team, and what drew him to work with Champion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alUEODpB-lE

What players did you look up to when you were growing up? What teams inspired you?

Growing up I looked up to legends like Bill Russell, Dr. J, George Gervin, Wilt Chamberlain, and Oscar Robertson. I was inspired by the Boston Celtics and the many championships they won.

You were a member of arguably the world’s greatest ever sporting team, dominating every opponent you came across. Do you think the lack of competition for the Dream Team affected its legacy?

No, I don’t think the lack of competition affected the legacy of the dream team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdoivFu6fco

There is often a story or myth behind one’s jersey number, what does no.15 represent for you?

The number 15 didn’t mean anything special; it was special for me to play in the Olympics, represent my country, and be a member of the dream team despite the number on my chest.

Who was your favourite ever teammate to play with?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

You were known as a pass-first superstar, where does that unselfish trait come from?

When I played the game I cared about winning first and foremost. As a leader on every team I’ve played, I wanted to set my teammates up for success and allow them to play to their strengths so we could win.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsCCuccjtqw

Do you think “team spirit” has changed in basketball in your lifetime? If so, how?

No, I think team spirit is still at an all-time high on every level.

Who is in Magic Johnson’s all-time starting five?

Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and Kobe Bryant.

You’ve reached the pinnacle of your sport and had an incredibly successful career afterwards, what motivates you to work with a brand like Champion?

Champion is the best at what they do and I know that I am the best at what I do. It seemed like a natural fit for me to offer my support as they celebrate their centennial year. Also, they are a fashion brand and I am a fashion man!