On this day 59 years ago, Earvin Johnson was born. Almost two decades later, the world was introduced to Magic Johnson and the game of basketball was changed forever. However, today is not only a day to celebrate the birth of one of the greatest players to ever put on a Lakers uniform, it’s a day to celebrate the fact that Johnson is still here today.
On November 7, 1991, Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV and retired from basketball the same day. Johnson was filled with emotions of fear and confusion, as many were that day, but he wanted to make one thing clear to those in attendance at the Forum press conference.