Lakers’ Top 5 Moments in All-Star Weekend History

Number 1: Magic Johnson has a Great Moment in his Final All-Star Game

In November 1991, Magic Johnson shocked the world by announcing that he had contracted the HIV virus. He announced he was retiring, but that didn’t stop the fans from putting him into the All-Star game, even though he hadn’t played a single moment in the season. The league approved Magic playing in the game, and the anticipation was on.

Magic was welcomed to a standing ovation in his introduction. It became an even more special moment as long-time friend/rival Isiah Thomas and all other All-Stars hugged Magic during the emotional moment.

After the moment was over, there was still a game to be played. Magic didn’t disappoint in the only basketball game he would play until the 1995-96 season. He had 25 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

It was all capped off in possibly the most memorable All-Star moment ever, in the video below.

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Yes, the game ended early “on account of hugs”. Obviously, the players couldn’t resist themselves, as Magic stopped Isiah Thomas, stopped Michael Jordan, then nailed a three right in Thomas’s face to end the game. It was a tearful moment, and even though Magic came back to play in the 1995-96 season, this moment will always be considered the final great moment to Magic’s storied career.