TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 14: NBA Legend, Magic JOhnson speaks to the crowd before the NBA All-Star Game as part of 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 14, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Magic Johnson to Return to ESPN's NBA Coverage: Latest Comments, Reaction

Rob GoldbergDec 5, 2016

Magic Johnson is returning to ESPN's NBA Countdown after a three-year absence.

Ben Cafardo of ESPN Media Zone announced the news Monday, noting Johnson will make his season debut on Christmas Day. He will then join Michael Wilbon and Sage Steele on the weekly show beginning Jan. 21.

The Hall of Famer worked as an NBA studio analyst for ESPN from 2008 to 2013.

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Johnson gave his thoughts on his return to NBA coverage:

"
I'm so excited to be working with my ESPN family again on NBA Countdown Saturday nights. Michael, Sage and I are going to have a lot of fun this season while we cover the greatest sport in the world. Basketball has been so good to me, and I can't wait to once again share my love and passion for the game with the fans and my ESPN colleagues.
"

NBA on ESPN provided a congratulatory tweet:

The 12-time NBA All-Star left ESPN in 2013, citing other commitments, although John Koblin of Deadspin reported at the time Bill Simmons was the reason for the departure. The two worked together on the show during the 2012-13 season.

Simmons and ESPN parted ways in 2015.

Johnson has since worked on his business ventures, including purchasing ownership stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Sparks.