Antawn Jamison of the Washington Wizards is the 2005 recipient of the Magic Johnson Award, presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.

The award honors an NBA player who combines excellence on the court with outstanding cooperation with the media and, by extension, the fans.

Established in 2001, the award is named after former Los Angeles Lakers great Earvin ?Magic? Johnson, a Hall of Fame player and one of the NBA?s most popular and effective ambassadors ever. Johnson, with former Boston star Larry Bird, generally is credited with reviving interest in the league in the 1980s and ?90s and sparking its widespread popularity.

?It?s definitely a prestigious award,? said Jamison.  ?I take great pride in being noticed by the media. I respect their jobs, understand what they are trying to do and understand that it?s my job to make sure that I accommodate them in every facet. To have their approval says a lot. It means a lot and I am very honored to have my name associated with Magic Johnson.?