“I thought Magic Johnson had a death sentence.”: Jerry West reminisces about the Showtime Lakers’ legend

Jeet Pukhrambam | 27/03/2022
"I thought Magic Johnson had a death sentence.": Jerry West recalls the time he found about about Magic's HIV affliction

Magic Johnson has a four-part documentary coming up. In this segment, we take a look at an announcement that rocked the Lakers. 

There are very few players that have been as impactful and iconic as Magic Johnson. Earvin possessed some dazzling passing skills and an innate ability to change the game.

As his documentary, “They call me Magic” is about to air on Apple TV, we take a closer look at an incident that scared Jerry West.

Known as a great rebounder, a superb passer, and most of all, an incredible leader, Magic was one of one. As we take a closer look at his career, we glimpse back to how Jerry West got a shocking piece of news.

Also read: “Larry Bird would say ‘imma wait till you get one step away from me and then shoot it in your face”: When Magic Johnson explained just how brutal the Celtics legend’s trash-talking would be

“At that point in time, it was like a death sentence” Jerry describes a shocking piece of news that changed Magic Johnson

In an archived interview segment with Graham Bensinger, Jerry West describes his love for the Showtime Laker and how devastated he was to learn of Magic’s affliction.

In 1991, Magic went on air to announce that he had contracted HIV. He subsequently announced that he would be retiring from the Lakers. Jerry recalls that he was shaken and didn’t know how to react to it.

He thought “at that point in time, it was like a death sentence”. In the video, Jerry was referring to the stigma surrounding HIV.

Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson was an unparalleled athlete in his prime. The 1992 Dream Team selected Magic despite any hesitance.

“They call me Magic” airs on 04/22. It will be available exclusively on Apple TV.

Also read: “No one has ever done what you did to Jack Kent Cooke”: Jerry West was in awe of Magic Johnson shunning aside Cooke’s expensive meal for a hamburger and fries

 

Post Edited By: Jeet Pukhrambam
Jerry West Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson Showtime Lakers

About the author

Jeet Pukhrambam

Jeet Pukhrambam is The SportsRush's Lead Editor for Basketball. After freelancing for five years as an independent writer, Jeet created thousands of blog posts and articles. He now covers intriguing news reports and throwback stories on all things NBA. His interest in NBA started with the ascendancy of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2016-17 season. Since then, Jeet has managed to coalesce his knowledge of the game and his writing to create pieces that are reflective of the current state of the league. Now, he ensures that The SportsRush produces the highest quality of writing. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, cooking, traveling, and dancing to techno. Jeet takes pride in his critical thinking, music playlists, and his love for spaghetti.

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