Magic Johnson suffered a huge setback when his career was cut short due to an HIV diagnosis in 1991. Despite his desire to end his career on his own terms, Johnson was forced to bid goodbye to the league after the news about his disease became public. The five-time NBA champ was subjected to a lot of stereotypes around the disease at the time. Still, the Los Angeles Lakers legend excelled off the court, establishing himself as a successful businessman and a community leader. However, in spite of the success off the court, Magic still had the desire to get back into the NBA. Back in 1995, despite being counselled by Michael Jordan about the changes in the league, Magic’s Wife Cookie Johnson rejected his massive decision.

During an interview in 1995, Magic Johnson claimed that his positive mindset, exercise routine, and low-sugar diet allowed him to think about making a comeback to the NBA. Johnson pointed out that he was physically capable to keep playing after his HIV diagnosis in 1991. However, the lack of information about the disease forced the massive decision to retire. The revelation from Magic prompted a question about his return to the NBA.

Magic Johnson was passionate about NBA comeback

As seen in a clip of the 1995 interview posted by a basketball page on YouTube, the host asked Magic Johnson the reason he refrained from making a comeback to the league. Johnson reckoned that everyone asked him the same question. Moreover, the three-time Finals MVP revealed that Michael Jordan’s comeback after his first retirement made things tougher for the Lakers legend.

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Johnson also revealed that he reached out to MJ for counseling about how the league had changed since his retirement. The 12-time All-Star said, “He definitely tells me it’s different. The guys are different, the players. Now I understand that because it’s a new era.” Moreover, Magic reckoned that the Lakers players and management were supportive of his comeback. However, his wife Cookie Johnson had a slightly different opinion on the matter.

Talking about Magic’s potential comeback, Cookie Johnson stated, “He’s persuading me the other way slowly. I think that he feels a little cheated that he didn’t get a chance to finish the way he wanted to, when he wanted to.”

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The heartfelt revelation from his wife Cookie left Magic Johnson astonished. The Lakers legend suggested that it was the first time his wife somewhat agreed to his comeback decision. Luckily for the fans, Johnson could not stay away during the 1995-96 season.

Magic Johnson’s comeback

Magic Johnson was once again seen in purple and gold. He made a comeback for the Lakers during the 1995-1996 season. In 32 appearances, the NBA Hall of Famer averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.

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Eventually, Johnson’s career came to an end after his last stint with the Lakers in 1996 as fans got to see Magic on the NBA court one final time.