There’s “Grandmama,” and then there’s Granddaddy Cool—because that’s exactly how Larry Johnson looked in his latest Instagram post. The 56-year-old former Hornets star, once known for his thunderous dunks and unforgettable Converse commercials, left fans in awe with a sharp new look and a nod to his New York Knicks roots.
Johnson posted a photo following the Knicks’ Game 2 loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, captioned, “Feeling like this today. Proud of our @nyknicks. We got some work to do.” Dressed in a crisp New York Yankees button-up, LJ rocked a subtle salt-and-pepper fade and his signature cool demeanor.
For Charlotte fans, it was a nostalgic reminder of a player who helped put the Hornets on the map. Drafted No. 1 overall in 1991, Johnson wasted no time making his mark—earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the first Hornet ever selected as an All-Star starter in 1993. That season, he averaged 22.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, solidifying himself as one of the league’s most dominant power forwards.
And who could forget “Grandmama”? The Converse commercials made him a cultural icon, and his SLAM Magazine cover remains one of the most beloved in franchise history.
But Johnson’s impact wasn’t just style over substance. Alongside Alonzo Mourning, Muggsy Bogues, and Dell Curry, he led the Hornets during their early ’90s golden era. His $84 million deal in 1993—the richest in NBA history at the time—was proof of his value. Even after a back injury altered his game, LJ adapted, developing a lethal outside shot and later playing a pivotal role in the Knicks’ 1999 Finals run.
Now, more than two decades since his retirement, Johnson still knows how to captivate fans—with style, class, and the same confidence that made him a Charlotte legend.
Hornets fans: what’s your favorite Larry Johnson memory? Let us know in the comments—and keep an eye on LJ. The man hasn’t lost a step.