*Comedian and actor, George Lopez, recently opened up about his lifelong admiration for NBA legend Julius Erving, affectionately known as “Dr. J.” During an appearance on Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast, Lopez shared how Erving became his childhood idol and even humorously revealed that he once mistook the basketball icon for an actual doctor.
Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media to dub Lopez the “Mexican Albert Einstein” after his hilarious appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. More about that is below.
Lopez, who grew up in the 1970s, credits Erving as the pioneer of NBA stardom, long before the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan took the league by storm. For Lopez, “Dr. J” wasn’t just a basketball player—he was a cultural icon whose style and charisma transcended the game.
“I would be Dr. J because, in that time, in the ’70s and the ABA, and the devil goatee like Artis Gilmore had the knee braces,” Lopez recalled. “I was obsessed with Dr. J.”
Lopez’s admiration for Erving went beyond the court. He marveled at how the 16-time All-Star and four-time MVP dominated the game without the modern-day luxuries today’s athletes enjoy.
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Erving’s humility and dominance left a lasting impression on Lopez, who even joked about mistaking him for a real doctor during their first meeting.
“I went to his event, and they said, ‘How big a Dr. J fan are you?’ I said, ‘How big a fan I am? That was the first doctor I ever saw. When I saw Dr. J, I said, ‘Does this look infected?’ He said, ‘You know, I’m really not a doctor,'” Lopez quipped. “He did that in the Converse and the tight a** shorts like you guys would wear.”
Byron Scott, the podcast host and former NBA player, echoed Lopez’s sentiments, praising Erving’s enduring legacy. Scott noted that even today, Erving’s presence commands respect and admiration whenever he enters a room full of stars, solidifying his status as a true legend.
Meanwhile, fans are buzzing about Lopez’s recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where he performed the Spirit Tunnel Walk, a hilarious and energetic dance that left viewers in stitches. Social media erupted with laughter, with many dubbing him the “Mexican Albert Einstein” for his comedic genius and quirky charm.
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George Lopez’s heartfelt tribute to Julius Erving not only highlights the basketball legend’s impact on pop culture but also showcases Lopez’s ability to blend humor with genuine admiration. Whether he’s paying homage to his childhood hero or cracking up audiences with his antics, Lopez continues to prove why he’s one of the most beloved figures in entertainment.
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