The 1991-92 season was a dark NBA season for Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Before the actual season started, the Los Angeles Lakers star tested positive for HIV. This forced him to retire abruptly from actively playing basketball. Regardless, fans voted Magic to play at the 1992 All-Star Game. The idea of seeing an HIV-infected Johnson became a big issue, with players expressing concern about playing against the 6-foot-9 guard.
Opposing Magic and HIV Repercussions
Other ASG participants were wary of potentially getting infected. Contamination could have happened if Johnson sustained an open wound while on the court. Regardless, the top pick of the 1979 NBA Draft decided to play anyway. The Michigan State product, however, cautioned that it could be his last pro basketball game.
“This may be my last game. The V.C.R. will be working. I'll be playing with the superstars one last time, and I'll be able to pop it in for my son or daughter who will be born soon. This is the chance I didn't have to say goodbye,” Johnson said via the New York Times .
Among those who were skeptical about Johnson’s participation were Karl Malone and John Stockton. Both were wary of contracting HIV, something Stockton admits he was bothered about.
Others who expressed concern were Mark Price of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charles Barkley of the Philadelphia 76ers. Both eventually claimed their comments were misinterpreted when discussing the Johnson issue. Another player, Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets, stayed neutral. He left it to the league, believing the NBA would know best whether the Lakers star should play or not.
Johnson considered passing on the 1992 ASG
Aware that players and fans were concerned about the risks he brought, Johnson also considered not playing. He understood the issue, and the last thing he wanted was to put other players at risk of getting infected.
“I wouldn't put myself at risk, nor would I put anyone else in a life-threatening situation,” the five-time NBA champion stated.
Johnson would put on a show and lead the West All-Star to a 153-113 win over their Eastern Counterparts. Magic would be hailed as the MVP after finishing with 25 points, 9 assists, and five rebounds.
Certainly wasn’t the last
After the 1992 ASG, Johnson played again as part of the 1992 Summer Olympics team, but he was infrequent due to a knee issue. Regardless, he won a gold medal as the Dream Team dominated the meet, trashing any team that got in their way.
Johnson went on to quietly fade into the basketball scene after the Olympics. He focused on getting better, crediting a couple of doctors , Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. David Ho, with helping him through his rough patch.
Magic attempted a return to active duty after a short coaching stint with the Lakers in the 1995-96 season. He played in 32 regular and 4 postseason games, showing he still had what it takes to play in the NBA.
After initially considering another run the following season, Johnson retired for good. He felt it was the proper time to call it a career, aware he had the golden opportunity to exit gracefully.
Related: “After every game, I grade myself and I grade myself hard” - Why Magic Johnson was always critical of his performances
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