Before Michael Jordan, There was Simply Magic - Earvin Johnson and the Showtime Lakers

Watching Michael Jordan finally put a close to his career and then flipping over the channels to watch Kobe Bryant knock down another jumper reminded me of how the days where number 23 used to dominated are over and how Kobe is a fine heir to being the best on the planet at the moment. It did remind me also of a time so long ago when another legendary great ruled the planet with his magic and charisma.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr was born on 14 August 1959 and was an outstanding point guard with the Pat Riley led Los Angeles Lakers. He has won 5 NBA titles and 3 MVP awards throughout his long and illustrious career and for those who can still remember, Magic simply the best passer in the game. He was a unique individual whose class and exuberance made him the engine of the classy Lakers of the 1980s.

Drafted from Michigan State University, Magic joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 as he mentioned that it was a wonderful opportunity for him to play with another legendary talent , Kareem Abdul Jabbar.Both of them proceeded to win the 1980 NBA finals in which Earvin Magic Johnson became the youngest ever player to win the NBA finals MVP award. This signalled the coming of age for the player.

Magic eventually became part of a well oiled Lakers team that went on to win another 4 more NBA titles in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988. Their rivalry with the Boston Celtics and their charismatic player Larry Bird became the centre stage of a glorious decade of wonderful basketball and several memorable finals.

One of those magic moments was in the 1985 season where the combination of both Magic and Kareem led the Lakers to their third straight final and their performance together despite the ageing powers of Kareem , became the highlight of their careers. Johnson and Kareem had often mentioned this before. I did get a chance to watch that final and could remember in those finals how Kareem who at age 36 seemed like a man possessed. Magic was as ever the most influential player in that final.

Magic has been known for creating many memorable moments throughout his career but it was one moment that may stand out as the most lasting memory behind his legacy. That day was November 7 1991 where Earvin "Magic "Johnson made a public announcement that he had contracted HIV and that he would retire with immediate effect from the Los Angeles Lakers. He also mentioned that he would spend the rest of his life fighting this deadly disease. It was a moment in time that made many including myself reflect that no one, including the great ones were truly safe from this disease.

Unlike many players who left the game and did not know what to do with the rest of their lives, Magic became a successful businessman who ran many businesses, wrote a book on safer sex, became a sports commentator and even had the time to tour Asia and Australia with a basketball team with former players.

The brilliant smile and his captivating performances will never be forgotten even though the man simply known as Magic has long left the game.