Worst moment in each NBA franchise’s history
By Brad Rowland
Los Angeles Lakers – Magic Johnson’s Retirement
To be open and honest, I debated about the inclusion of this. On one hand, Magic Johnson’s announcement that he was HIV-positive was a landmark occasion, as the general public was largely unaware of the effects of the disease, how to treat it, how it was transmitted and, frankly, if Magic would live to see his next birthday. On the other, the Lakers franchise was greatly impacted by the sudden retirement of its superstar, and Johnson’s career ended more quickly than anyone could have ever imagined.
In the long run, Magic’s revelation has done a great deal of good throughout the world. He has emerged as one of the leading spokespeople about the disease, and in addition to his booming business career, continues to live a vibrant life. At the time, though, there were rampant rumors about everything from how he contracted to the disease to how life would go on without him in the NBA, and many players were vocal about not wanting to compete with him on the hardwood.
There have certainly been “worse” moments on the basketball court for the Los Angeles Lakers, and I acknowledge that. At the same time, this was so important that it almost had to be included. Magic Johnson’s impact on the sport and on this franchise is immeasurable to this day.
November 7, 1991 will never be forgotten.
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