The Magic Question: What if Earvin Johnson Hadn’t Left the Game Early?

Nov. 7, 1991.

That was one of the saddest days in sports history.

Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA after discovering he had contracted HIV.

Although he was retired, he still played in the 1992 All-Star Game in which he was crowned MVP. 

He also played for the Dream Team at the Olympics during the following summer.

Johnson then attempted a comeback before the 1992-93 season, but changed his mind during the preseason, because other players were scared of catching the virus from him.

He stayed retired until the 1995-96 season when he appeared in 32 games for the Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
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