This Day in History:, Magic Johnson Returns
for All-Star Game.
February 9, 1992.
The popular LA Laker point guard
had shocked the world by retiring
from basketball three months earlier.
The five-time NBA champion
had announced that he
tested positive for HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS.
When Johnson stepped onto the court
in Orlando on February 9, 1992, he was met
with a standing ovation from fans.
Despite the stigma
attached to AIDS at
the time, his friend and rival
player, Isiah Thomas, kissed him.
Johnson played a total of 29 minutes,
scored 25 points, and made nine assists
to help the West beat the East, 153-113.
Later that summer, Johnson played on the American
"Dream Team" that captured the gold medal
at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain
