Magic Johnson is one of the most decorated NBA superstars of all time. The Los Angeles Lakers great wasn’t just an ordinary superstar. His radiating personality and contagious smile had turned him into an icon. In addition, his ‘Showtime’ plays on the court changed the direction of the NBA forever. However, in 1991, after contracting HIV, Johnson had to stay away from the league for five years. Likewise, a break from the highest level probably makes others rusty. However, Magic knew he was ready to return after completely dominating Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman during a pickup run.
While filming for Space Jam in 1995, His Airness was gearing up for his much-expected return to the NBA. As a hardworking juggernaut, Jordan didn’t let shooting days slow down his preparations. Notably, there was a Jordan Dome on the sets of the film for him to practice. That was where some of the most intense NBA pickup games went down.
Likewise, Jordan invited Magic Johnson to wipe off the dust. After returning as a coach the season prior, the Lakers guard was contemplating a return as a superstar. After his run with Jordan and Dennis Rodman, he got his answer. Notably, the five-time champion woke up with excitement realizing he can still play with the best.
Magic Johnson realized he can return after his run with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman
Johnson’s invite to the Jordan Dome arguably changed his perspective on the game. He was desperate to return much before, but fear of players kept him from donning the jersey. As times changed, so did the mentality. As the game flowed through his hands once again, Magic knew it was time. Notably, he told his wife in excitement about going toe to toe with Michael Jordan and the Worm. Likewise, in 1995, the Showtime general would return.
Trash-Picker Magic Johnson Was Once Ruthlessly Dragged Across the Street by His Father: “You Did a Halfway Job”
In an interview with The New York Times, his wife, Cookie Johnson spoke about the night. She said, “Earvin came home that night and he was, like, glowing and bursting. I mean, I was asleep. And he woke me up and said, ‘I busted them.’ And I think that was the one thing that did it. To play against Michael Jordan was like big proof that he could definitely do it.”
There it was once again, Johnson in Purple and Gold. The NBA eyes watched in anticipation as he stepped back on the court for the first time since the 1992 All-Star game in 1995. The Lakers made it to the postseason, but couldn’t get past the Houston Rockets in the first round. Magic couldn’t adapt to the younger Lakers’ core. However, he got what he was longing for. The 12-time All-Star had his final chapter with the game.
WATCH THIS STORY- LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson- NBA athletes who lead the list of richest athletes of the world
After the season, Johnson officially announced his retirement, this time on his own terms.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pr%2FSnqWtoZGhubq%2Fz6ipratemLyue82bmGaakai4psDBmqOlZZ6axLR5yGaZrqukmrFuwMeepGaclai9qsDEZpmeoZ6ceq6t0aucnWWSrnqptdVmqqGnk6Cys3nEp5qorZ6psrN51qKroWWdnrCprcSlZKOnopmur3nAp5tmnJWju6q%2FjKumnaWRo3qnwcSlnJ1lnZa0qq%2BMo6ahpqOku7R5waKeZpyVmLa0tc6nZg%3D%3D