NBA Rewind, November 7, 1991: The Day The Magic Died in Los Angeles

On November 7, 1991, Erving "Magic" Johnson announced to the world that he was retiring from professional basketball due to HIV.



For many, the news that Johnson was carrying the virus seemed like the end of not only an era, but of a man whom so many came to love for his charismatic attitude, infectious smile, and stellar moves on the basketball court.

It was a sad day for many of his fans because many believed that Johnson would die soon after his admission, after all, that was what happened to people with HIV/AIDS back then—they died.

On the flip side, the fact that Johnson did come forward was also a subtle sign of the progress and education that was yet to come. His admission that he caught the virus by being promiscuous with the opposite sex changed the thought processes of the many who believed that "straight" people were immune to HIV.

However, it wouldn't be long before the world knew that Johnson had no intention of disappearing into a corner to live out what little life he was perceived to have left. He planned to live as freely and normally as the everyday person and, unbeknown to many at the time, he would play the game he loved again.

On October 2, 1992, he signed a one-year contract extension with the L.A. Lakers for a record $14.6 million for the 1994-95 basketball season—the sum was payable in full whether he played or not.

The gesture was one that seemed a bit much at the time but, Jerry Buss, the Lakers owner, was more than willing to pay it to Johnson for "all that he'd done" for the franchise. 

Johnson would later make a brief return to his former team, but quickly retired again once it became clear that the NBA players weren't as ready for him as he had hoped.

Although he remained strong, the impact of his disease proved the bigger setback as stars like Karl Malone openly expressed their concerns about his being on the court with them. They felt the risk was just too great.

Magic accepted his fate and decided his interests were best served off the court, away from the game, using the platform his name and face afforded him to spread the word about what HIV really means for those who are carriers.

He became the virus' biggest picture of success and gave many who were already silently living with it a reason to believe they too would be okay.

Nearly 20-years later, Magic Johnson is still fighting the fight, and living the life that he always thought he could—against all odds.

Magic Johnson—Today