HBO’s “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” gives viewers a fictionalized account of how the Los Angeles Lakers turned their fortunes and won multiple titles in the 1980s. Magic Johnson, who fielded them in 1979, was an essential cog in their championship runs. However, Magic’s playing career was suddenly cut short in 1991 when he learned he tested positive for HIV. So if you’re wondering what exactly happened then, we’ve got you covered.
How and when did Magic Johnson get HIV?
Magic had a routine physical examination shortly before the 1991-1992 NBA season. On October 24, 1991, he received a call from the Lakers doctor asking him to come home right away. At the time, Magic was in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the doctor wouldn’t talk about it over the phone. Upon his return, Magic was told that he tested positive for HIV. At the time, he was in disbelief and asked for two more tests that eventually came back positive.
Magic remembered his reaction: “You just sit there and say, ‘What does this mean? Am I going to die?’” He was also concerned about his wife Cookie, who was pregnant. But luckily, both tested negative for the virus. Then Magic had to tell the rest of the world about his diagnosis. He called for a press conference on November 7, 1991. Before that, Magic made sure some of his fellow players knew by calling them and letting them know.
At one of the most pivotal moments in basketball history, Magic announced that he would be retiring with immediate effect because he had tested HIV positive. But he was optimistic and said, ‘I intend to carry on, live a long time, bothering you as I always have. You will see me walking around. I plan to be with the Lakers. … Of course I will miss the battles and the wars, and I will miss you. But life goes on.”
In 1991, the world was still learning about HIV and AIDS, and many were ignorant of the disease. There were rumors about Magic’s sexuality. As a result, he spoke openly about interacting with many women during his playing career, later being criticized for his promiscuity. A few years later, Magic accused Isiah Thomas, a player for the Detroit Pistons, of spreading rumors that Magic was gay or bisexual.
Magic still played in the 1992 Olympics and returned to the Lakers in 1994 as a coach. However, he resigned when the season ended and returned as a player for one season in 1996. In a 2021 interview, Magic discussed telling Cookie about his diagnosis. He said: “It was hard because I loved her so much, and I hated hurting her. I’ve played against some of the best basketball players in the world, haven’t I? I’ve been in championships. I’ve been in nine [NBA] Finals, so I know the pressure. But there was no greater pressure than to drive home to tell her.”
In the years since Magic’s playing career ended, he has become a successful businessman. He also kept HIV under control by taking care of his body and undergoing the necessary treatments. Magic’s HIV is undetectable these days, but he still has to take a cocktail of drugs once a day to make sure it stays that way.
Read more: Where is Cookie Johnson now?
