Austin, TX - As a child growing up in Los Angeles during the 1980s naturally I was a Lakers' fan. Oh how I enjoyed watching Magic drive down the court and throw a no look pass for a easy two. Kareem, Worthy, Coop, Scott, Rambis, and the rest were all my heroes. The best was when my beloved Lakers would play the hated Celtics. Oh how I hated them!!!!!!!!! Yet today I was saddened to hear that Dennis Johnson, a member of the those hated Celtics had passed. Even though as a child I considered him the enemy I feel a part of my past had been taken from me. It was the competitive nature and the talent of the Celtics and Dennis Johnson that made those match ups such a delight to watch. As I grew the hate for my past enemies grew into respect. They were a great team with a lot of talent and that is why the Lakers/Celtics rivalry will always be for me the greatest era in NBA history.

Rest in Peace "DJ."