Magic Johnson’s relationship with the Lakers is legendary, However, it seems he’s definitively shut the door on a coaching return.
Magic did have a brief stint as a Lakers coach in 1994, but it wasn’t a smooth ride. Owner Jerry Buss convinced Magic to take the helm near the end of the 1993-94 season, replacing Randy Pfund. Initial signs were positive, with the Lakers winning 5 of their first 6 games under Magic.
However, things went south quickly. The team lost the next 5 games, and Magic stepped down after the season with a final record of 5-11. Magic later admitted coaching wasn’t his passion. He found the pressure and day-to-day grind challenging.
Magic opted for a different path. He purchased a stake in the Lakers and focused on his business ventures. Interestingly, he did make a player comeback later in the 1995-96 season, but that’s a separate story.
Now, as reported by TMZ Sports, Magic has made it clear he has no interest in coaching again.
When asked about the Lakers coaching comeback the NBA veteran said:
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Thank you though. I hope they get a good one, though.
FYI, Los Angeles Lakers fired their head coach Darvin Ham on May 10, 2024, just a few days after their playoff exit in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.
Though Ham only coached for 2 seasons, it wasn’t a complete failure. He actually guided the Lakers to the playoffs both years. The Lakers are a team with a history of winning championships, and apparently, two first-round playoff exits weren’t enough.
There’s a lot of pressure for them to be contenders. While some credit Ham, some reports suggest the roster issues, particularly the Russell Westbrook trade, made it difficult for him to succeed.
Magic Johnson’s Player Comeback
Magic Johnson announced he had HIV before the 1991-92 season. Due to the limited understanding of HIV at the time, he retired to protect himself and others.
Despite retiring, Magic’s competitive spirit wouldn’t be contained. He participated in the 1992 All-Star Game and delivered an MVP performance.
Next, motivated by a desire to show his young son, Earvin III (“EJ”), what he did for a living, Magic decided to return in 1996 at the age of 36. He’d undergone intense training to stay in shape during his retirement, and his first game back was impressive (19 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists).
While Magic displayed flashes of brilliance, the Lakers weren’t a championship contender. The team finished the season poorly, and some players, including Michael Jordan, questioned if his return was hindering the team’s development. Facing these realities and wanting to spend more time with his family, Magic retired for a third and final time in 1996.
