“Thinking it was a DEATH SENTENCE,” Magic Johnson got emotional about his HIV Diagnosis
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Magic Johnson's HIV announcement
In a 1991 press conference, legendary NBA player Magic Johnson presented his medical outlook to the world, marking the span of more than three decades. One of the best NBA players and the face of the Los Angeles Lakers revealed during the news conference that he was HIV positive. Johnson recently opened up in an interview about his experience upon discovering he was infected with HIV.
Given that he steered the Los Angeles Lakers to five titles and nine NBA Finals trips over the course of 13 seasons, Magic Johnson is regarded as one of the greatest winners in the history of professional sports. Before the announcement, Johnson’s career was flourishing after claiming back-to-back championships in the 1987 and 1988 campaigns. Magic continued to be very impressive in the summer of 1991, taking the squad to the Finals and competing against Michael Jordan.
Johnson had just married his wife, Cookie, who was expecting their first child, EJ, and was in the prime of his NBA career with the Lakers when he learned of the HIV test result. Johnson was relieved when Cookie and EJ’s virus tests came back negative, but he also had to accept his next challenge: becoming an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness.
Talking in an interview with ET, Johnson shared his and the family’s experience. He stated: “What I was going through, thinking it was a death sentence, ’cause I didn’t know no better, so, just all the people that were involved get to tell their side of it, and I think that’s what makes it great.”
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Magic Johnson’s legendary NBA resume
Magic Johnson, the 6-foot-9 point guard made a significant impact right away after being chosen by the Lakers because of his superb passing and ball handling. This made it possible for the NBA to enter a new era. Between 1982 and 1991, Johnson averaged a double-double four times breaking the NBA assist record.
His first of nine consecutive selections to the All-NBA first team was in 1983. He led the “Showtime Lakers” team to five NBA championships during his era and won three MVP awards during this period of the regular season. He was leading the team alongside Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy, and others.
Magic Johnson claimed in 1991 that he would be leaving the NBA after receiving a positive HIV test. Johnson was later chosen by the fans to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, where he won his second MVP award, despite missing the 1991–92 season.
He took part in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics and was the leader of “The Dream Team”, who won the gold medal.
Magic Johnson produced incredible totals of 17,707 points, 6,559 rebounds, 10,141 assists, 1,724 steals, and many other accomplishments during the course of his 13 NBA seasons.
Magic Johnson’s advocacy for HIV awareness
Johnson’s condition in 1991 prompted a variety of concerns surrounding his health. However, the former NBA champion lived because to developments in medical and scientific research. Despite all the concerns surrounding the virus, the NBA Hall of Famer is still in good health and appears to be in excellent shape more than 30 years later.
Later in his interview with ET, he stated: “It’s powerful and you’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna cry and you’re gonna think. You’re gonna see moments you’ve never seen before, and it’s been a part of my life now for 30 years.”
In 1992, there were still many misconceptions regarding HIV, including how it spread and who was susceptible to contracting it. Many people were unaware that kids were also at risk and that there were no treatments specifically made to treat them. Johnson has participated in a number of shows and interviews to promote awareness, and he continues to be a strong supporter of the illness.
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