"You're gonna hate it when Celtics get Ring 18" - NBA fans react to Magic Johnson gearing up to watch Celtics vs. Mavericks pivotal Game 5

LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson expressed excitement for Monday's pivotal Game 5 NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. However, NBA fans trolled the three-time MVP, with many quipping that he would have difficulty watching his former rival, Boston, win another championship.

The Celtics entered Monday's contest up 3-1, with a chance to win their record-breaking 18th title in front of their home crowd at TD Garden. That would break their tie with Johnson's Lakers, who won their 17th championship to tie them in 2020.

Johnson was part of five of LA's 17 title runs (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988). He faced Boston in three finals series (1984, 1985 and 1987), winning two of three matchups. The 12-time All-Star also won his third and last finals MVP against the Celtics in 1987.

On Monday, Johnson tweeted about being prepared to watch Game 5 between Boston and Dallas.

"I have my popcorn ready for the battle tonight between the Celtics and Mavs!," Johnson said.

NBA fans on X/Twitter promptly began making remarks about the Celtics getting ready to surpass his Lakers' championship total.

"I know you're gonna hate it when the Celtics get Ring 18," @fbdkgbz said.

"We’re ready to hang Banner 18 tonight. Let’s go Celtics!" @LilBirdCreates said.

Another pointed out that Johnson is likely rooting against his ex-rival.

"You are cheering for the Mavs," @rubydog556 said.

Meanwhile, others took various other shots at Johnson and the Lakers.

"Do you have popcorn to watch the Lakers coaching drama too, Magic?" @LandoLebowski said.

"You will probably fall asleep," @jhallito said.

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Magic Johnson on Mavericks' Game 4 NBA Finals win over Celtics

Magic Johnson also enthusiastically reacted to Dallas' 122-84 Game 4 blowout win over Boston on Friday. The five-time champion highlighted the Mavericks' improved defensive effort, star performances and well-rounded bench output.

"Dallas raised its intensity and played a lot more physical on the defensive end tonight, which carried into a better offensive rhythm!" Johnson said.

"Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie [Irving] played like stars with 29 and 21 points respectively, and they finally got some help from the bench tonight between [Dante] Exum, [Tim] Hardaway Jr., and [Dereck] Lively [II]. I can't wait to see what happens back in Boston Monday night!"

The 38-point loss marked the Celtics' largest over 23 finals appearances. Their previous worst defeat (137-104) came in Game 3 of the 1984 finals against Johnson's Lakers. However, Boston went on to win the series 4-3.

The Mavericks face a much tougher task of making a comeback, though, down 3-1 and trailing the Celtics 67-46 at halftime of Game 5.

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