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 Lakers off the bench.

His stats that year, 14.6 points and 6.9 assists, weren't too bad for a 36-year-old who hadn't played professional basketball in four-and-a-half years.  

The 12-time All-Star retired for good following the season with a resume that included five championship rings, an Olympic gold medal, and three MVP awards.

But what if Johnson hadn't retired in '91, and nobody complained about playing with, or against him?

Would he have won another championship, or two?

Who knows. It depends on what kind of talent GM Jerry West could have surrounded him with.

As we all know, West was a genius. He was responsible for signing Shaquille O'Neal and turning Vlade Divac into Kobe Bryant. So, I'm sure he would have found a way to acquire a star to pair with Johnson.

Maybe Charles Barkley would have been traded to the Lakers instead of the Phoenix Suns. Just imagine that. Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley together. Two Dream Teamers.

That duo could have given the Lakers a chance to beat the Chicago Bulls in the Finals, right?

Okay, maybe not. But, those definitely would have been some fun games to watch.

Anyway, we'll never know what Magic would have accomplished if he hadn't retired early.

However, one thing we do know for sure: He would have continued to amaze fans all over the world.