Magic Johnson, a former NBA player, made headlines in 1991 when he announced that he had tested positive for HIV and was retiring from the sport. He retired abruptly in 1991 after contracting the virus, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award.
On May 14, 1996, Johnson announced his permanent retirement from the NBA as a player, capping off an illustrious 13-year career. After a short and lackluster tenure, he surprisingly resigned at the end of the 2018–19 season, stating that he would rather spend his time as a coach.
Johnson’s peak was 1989-90, when he won his third MVP and was 30 years old. He retired the next year. On November 7, 1991, Johnson announced that he had contracted HIV and would be retiring from the NBA. His immense popularity resulted in him being voted as a starter in the NBA.
After retiring from the NBA at the age of 36, four years later, he proved he could still play the game he always dominated. His unexpected retirement announcement in 1991 marked one of the most pivotal moments in sports history, and his decision to retire from basketball was one of the biggest and most impactful moments for public health.
📹 The Announcement: Magic Johnson
We take a look back 25 years ago to Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement in a segment from “The Announcement” About the NBA: …
How old was Magic Johnson when he won his first NBA championship?
Magic Johnson, a 20-year-old rookie, led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals. He played all but one minute, scoring 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. Johnson started at center in place of injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and played forward and guard. He recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. Despite winning the MVP Award as a rookie, Johnson also gave credit to his teammates, including Jamaal Wilkes, Michael Cooper, Chones, and Landsberger, who contributed to the Lakers’ victory.
What age did Magic retire at?
In 1996, Magic Johnson, then aged 36, retired from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Four years later, he demonstrated his continued proficiency in the sport he had previously dominated, as evidenced by the resurfacing of a video of him playing for a Swedish team called Magic M7. At the age of 40, Johnson demonstrated his continued proficiency in the sport by participating in a five-game series with the aforementioned team.
Why did Magic retire in 1996?
Magic Johnson, a former Lakers player, returned to the NBA in 1996 after a four-year hiatus due to the HIV virus. He played 32 regular-season games, averaging 14. 6 points, 5. 7 assists, and 4. 5 rebounds per contest. The Lakers secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and faced the reigning NBA champion Houston Rockets, but were eliminated in four games. Johnson played his final game with the Lakers on May 2, registering eight points, five rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes. He retired on his own terms, despite considering returning for another season. Johnson’s career averages were 19. 5 points, 11. 2 assists, 7. 2 rebounds, and 1. 9 steals per game.
Who is the youngest player to win the NBA championship?
Darko Milicic, a Serbian native, is the youngest player to appear in an NBA Finals game and win an NBA title. He was selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2003 NBA Draft and was considered a promising prospect. However, he struggled to achieve the success of other top players in his draft class. The Pistons acquired the No. 2 pick in the 2003 draft from a 1997 trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Milicic made his NBA debut on October 31, 2003, against the Miami Heat.
He averaged 4. 7 minutes per game in 34 games as a rookie, helping the Pistons win the NBA title in the 2003-04 season. After two seasons in Detroit, Milicic was traded to Orlando, where he played for the first of five teams in his 10-year NBA career.
Why did magic come out of retirement?
Magic Johnson, who retired from the Los Angeles Lakers due to contracting the HIV virus, was voted in as a starter in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. Despite retiring, his name was still on the ballots, making him a memorable and emotional player. On February 9, 1992, Magic scored 25 points and provided nine assists, earning MVP honors. The game was one of the most star-studded in NBA history, featuring 11 of the 12 members of the Dream Team, along with Hakeem Olajuwon, Isiah Thomas, James Worthy, Joe Dumars, Dikembe Mutmobo, and Tim Hardaway. The most memorable moment came at the end of the game, with the West comfortably ahead, as Magic faced off against Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan.
How tall was Shaq at 13?
O’Neal, born to a tall family, began his basketball career at Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas. He credited the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Newark for providing him with a safe place to play and keeping him off the streets. After moving to military bases in Germany and Texas, O’Neal’s family settled in San Antonio.
At 16, O’Neal grew to 6 ft 10 in and began playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School. He led his team to a 68-1 record and helped the team win the state championship during his senior year. His 791 rebounds during the 1989 season remain a state record for a player in any classification.
O’Neal’s ability to make hook shots earned him comparisons to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, leading him to wear the same jersey number as Abdul-Jabbar, No. 33. After graduating high school in 1989, O’Neal studied business at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he met Tigers coach Dale Brown.
While playing for LSU, O’Neal was a two-time All-American, two-time SEC Player of the Year, and received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men’s basketball player of the year in 1991. He left LSU early to pursue his NBA career, but continued his education even after becoming a professional player. He was later inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame and a bronze statue of him is located in front of the LSU Basketball Practice Facility.
How tall was Magic Johnson at 15?
Magic Johnson, a taller player than the average middle-schooler, was a key player in the NBA. He was nearly 6’6″ by high school, making him a formidable opponent. His physical development and developing skills made him a great opponent, and by age 15, he was gaining national attention as a top prospect. Johnson recalled his challenges at Everett High School, where teammates didn’t want to pass him the ball. However, sports brought these kids closer as a team, eventually winning a state championship, which laid the foundation for Magic’s standing among NBA veterans for generations.
Why was Magic Johnson kicked out of the NBA?
Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 due to his HIV diagnosis. The Lakers saw their star playing during his prime, a sudden twist that had taken the NBA by storm. Johnson was never the same away from basketball, dealing with a new world and a changed perspective on life. Despite not playing, he missed the game for years before the status quo changed. On January 30, 1996, Johnson played his first official game since coming out of retirement, in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Great Western Forum.
What age did Magic retire?
Evan “Magic” Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is often considered the greatest point guard of all time and spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships during their “Showtime” era.
Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. After protests against his return, he retired again for four years, but returned in 1996 at age 36 to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
Known for his extraordinary court vision, passing abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most dominant players of his era. His career achievements include three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star games selections. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Johnson was co-captain of the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, “The Dream Team”, which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Was Magic forced to retire?
Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 due to his HIV diagnosis. The Lakers saw their star playing during his prime, a sudden twist that had taken the NBA by storm. Johnson was never the same away from basketball, dealing with a new world and a changed perspective on life. Despite not playing, he missed the game dearly for years before the status quo changed. On Jan. 30, 1996, the Lakers received a sudden jolt as Johnson played in his first official game since coming out of retirement.
Why did Magic retire again?
Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 due to his HIV diagnosis. The Lakers saw their star playing during his prime, a sudden twist that had taken the NBA by storm. Johnson was never the same away from basketball, dealing with a new world and a changed perspective on life. Despite not playing, he missed the game for years before the status quo changed. On January 30, 1996, Johnson played his first official game since coming out of retirement, in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Great Western Forum.
📹 Magic Johnson EMOTIONAL NBA Return after his Retirement 1996.01.30 vs Warriors – 19 Pts, 10 Ast!
Magic Johnson Full NBA COMEBACK Highlights 19 Pts 10 Ast 8 Reb | Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers | January 30, …
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