Magic Says Kobe Has Baton Now

When Michael Jordan spoke in Atlanta of leaving the NBA in good hands, his voice carried over a sold-out arena and an international television audience.

And when every fan smiled, and every player nodded, Magic Johnson said Thursday he believed only one person believed Jordan was speaking directly to him.

Though Kobe Bryant’s scoring streak began nearly two weeks before Jordan’s All-Star farewell speech, Johnson said he did not doubt the influence the remarks had on Bryant, who perhaps had been waiting for the go-ahead.

“He thought, ‘When you pass the baton, you’re passing it to me,’ ” Johnson said. “The thing is, a guy’s got to want it. ...

“For this year, right now, in this season, Kobe Bryant is not only the MVP, but he’s the best player in the league. What he’s doing, the growth in Kobe has been incredible. And what we have to remember is how he’s doing it. A lot of these games have come when Shaq was out or injured.”

Shaquille O’Neal was dutiful in his secondary role, which also pleased Johnson, still a part-owner of the Lakers.

“He’s been a big man in all of this,” he said. “I have applauded him for it.

“I think Kobe has become the best player. Shaq is still the most dominant. He’ll always be that.”

TONIGHT

at Seattle, 7 p.m., Ch. 9

Site -- Key Arena.

Radio -- KLAC (570), KWKW (1330), KIRN (670)

Records -- Lakers 32-25, SuperSonics 25-31.

Record vs. SuperSonics -- 2-0.

Update -- The SuperSonics have won four of five games, three of four since they traded Gary Payton and Desmond Mason to Milwaukee and received Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie and Ronald Murray.