NBA superstars know how demanding and cruel the limelight can be. That's why many of them shield their families, especially their children, from the public's watchful eye.
Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson was no different. His kids only knew him as 'dad' and had no idea he was the ringleader of the most famous NBA team of the 80s. So when Magic took his children EJ and Elisa to the movies one time, they were surprised why women went gaga over their dada.
" We walked in there on our way to concession and some ladies screamed and fainted, " recalled EJ. "And we were like 'Is she gonna be okay? Like should we call an ambulance or something?' Then my dad just was just like 'Make sure that woman's all right'. And then she got herself together, enough to give him a hug but which was like sobbing."
One of the most charismatic figures in NBA history
According to EJ, the incident happened in Magic's former theater, Crenshaw 15, located at the Baldwin Hills Mall in Los Angeles. That multiplex theater opened in 1995 and closed in 2010, so EJ was still very young when it happened.
Unknown to EJ and his younger sister, their dad was one of the most charismatic players to ever set foot in the NBA. With his million-dollar smile, Magic was a crowd magnet, and it wasn't a surprise that fans, especially the ladies, screamed whenever they saw him.
"And we didn't just get it," added EJ. "We were like 'What is wrong with this woman?' Like I think she may be insane. And I think she needs help. I'll never forget that. Me and Elisa were just like…"
Magic was also surprised with EJ
While EJ was shocked to learn how popular his daddy was, Magic was also surprised to learn that Earvin Jr. preferred to play with dolls instead of a basketball. Although father and son have a beautiful relationship today, Magic admitted that he struggled to accept his son's sexual orientation .
" When you grow up in team sports, you're thinking, 'Is he gonna play sports?' " said Magic. "And then when I saw that he liked dolls and to play dress-up … 'What are you doing?'"
All's well that ends well in the Johnson household, as Magic and EJ continue to thrive in their chosen fields. As popular as Magic remains on the basketball court, so is EJ in the world of fashion and TV. His story of coming out as Magic's son is one of the biggest inspirations in the LBGTQ community.
Related: Magic Johnson admits he struggled to come to terms with his son EJ's sexual orientation: "I saw that he liked dolls and to play dress up"
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