The sports world and the basketball world, in particular, were shaken to the core on November 7, 1991. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Magic Johnson, who was one of the biggest athletes in the world announced that he had HIV. Back then, the disease was regarded as a death sentence and it put a lot of stress on Johnson and his family. His wife, Cookie, was pregnant and everything was very hard to process. However, Johnson was not one to give up.

He was ready to fight the disease and went to any extent. His wife once revealed that he indulged in hardcore workout programs in order to keep his body fit. As a result, his body was different when he returned to the league after a brief hiatus.

Magic Johnson worked out a lot to fight the disease

Former NBA champion Magic Johnson is a living embodiment of how proper medication and discipline can save a person’s life. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 and everyone assumed this was the last of Johnson. 

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The former MVP had a lot of fight in him and has survived quite well till now. He resorted to working out daily in order to keep his body fit and fight the virus. In fact, he sometimes performed 700 sit-ups a day!

At one point in time, he was obsessed with building up his body. As a result, Magic worked out for 90 minutes with weights and on the treadmill as revealed by Cookie to The New York Times. Moreover, he also spent a lot of time playing pickup basketball games.

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This resulted in the former MVP gaining a lot of muscle mass which made him slower. When he returned for the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic was heavier by around 30 pounds.

Magic received a harsh welcome from Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson had a healthy on-court relationship. When Johnson returned, Jordan made sure he welcomed him the right way.

Jordan said, “All the guys you used to play with, Showtime, are not on that Laker team anymore. So remember, maybe you should think about retiring.”

MJ really didn’t care about anyone’s feelings! Johnson retired after one last season with the Lakers where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.

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What is your favorite memory of Magic Johnson? Let us know in the comments down below.