The Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson had one of the greatest careers in the league’s history despite it being cut short by a life-altering condition. The Hall of Famer shocked the NBA world in late 1991 by announcing a sudden retirement after an illustrious decade. The 5x NBA champion was infected with HIV, forever altering his personal and professional life. However, unsurprisingly, before contracting the virus, Johnson lived quite the life in Hollywood.
Very few embodied Hollywood’s soul, energy, and flair like Johnson. The life-long Laker left an ever-lasting influence on the city of Angels. Likewise, LA also ‘awarded’ the former MVP with the best of all worlds. However, these experiences turned out to be his worst
Magic Johnson’s bizarre nights with the Lakers changed his life forever
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During the 80s and 90s, like today, NBA players were no less than superstars, especially the players from championship teams in major markets. At the time, Johnson was one of the most successful players in the biggest market in the league. Consequently, the 5x NBA champion enjoyed certain luxuries exclusive to high-profile individuals like himself.?
Taking inspiration from his peers and relics from the past, the 3x Finals MVP penned his life story in his autobiography, My Life.?It came out in late 1992, which created a frenzy in the NBA world as many obscure facts about the Los Angeles Lakers legend came to light. Among the many such facts and stories, Johnson’s recollection of his eventful nights with the Lakers on the road undoubtedly piqued the intrigue of fans.?
The Chicago Tribune once covered these bizarre episodes of Johnson’s autobiography. Incidentally, the Hall of Famer went into great detail to capture these lewd moments of his life. Moreover, he also reflected on how NBA players were treated like ‘sex objects’ by many women at the time.?
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He said,?“During the 80s, the Lakers were seen as the sexiest and most glamorous team of all. After a game, there would be 40 or 50 women waiting in the (hotel) lobby to meet us. Usually, the women waiting for us would pretend to be interested in autographs. But you might sign that autograph and write down your room number beside your signature. Or you might write your name and whisper, ‘See you in an hour.’ “
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Incidentally, some women didn’t hold back in their approach. In the book, he wrote on the same, ”Sometimes the women who called were more direct, ‘Hello, Magic? I’m downstairs in the lobby. How would you like me to come up and satisfy you?'”
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Needless to say, Johnson’s extravagant lifestyle almost cost him his life, as he went on to contract HIV. However, fortunately, the 5x NBA champion survived the ordeal and lived to tell the tale.