Magic Johnson is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Not only did he leave a truly meaningful impact on the sport of basketball, but on society in general.
After winning five championships relatively quickly, Johnson’s career got cut short in 1992 when he discovered that he had tested positive for HIV. He was just 32 years old at the time and coming off a season where he averaged nearly 19 points and 13 assists per game.
Johnson retired immediately upon hearing the diagnosis (though he would lately return briefly in 1995-96.)
From that point on, the Los Angeles Lakers star would proceed to speak very openly and honestly about all of his sexual proclivities in an effort to educate the public that anyone could get HIV if they weren’t careful. One story in particular from this specific time period stands out.
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“Like I said, women have different fantasies,” Johnson remarked. “Some want to be with 2-3 at a time. One time I had 6 at one time.”
“Was that their fantasy or your fantasy?” the interviewer replied.
“Both,” Johnson admitted. “Probably more so theirs than mine”
That kind of lifestyle didn’t come cheap, though. Johnson faced the consequences of his choices a lot quicker than he imagined he’d have to.
Ana Montana gets brutally honest about LaMelo Ball. https://t.co/68kaZAvlBs
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 23, 2021
“I’m not sending any mixed messages, that was my life,” the Lakers legend said. “If you ask me if I had fun, I had fun. ‘Did you enjoy your fantasies?’ Yes I did. But you pay for it.”
Although fans today mostly know Johnson for his interesting predictions and being the frequent recipient of notable gifts from the Lakers, he was an absolute icon in his heyday and his experiences shaped the lives of many both on and off the court.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
