Los Angeles Lakers: 5 times Magic Johnson sacrificed himself

Gave up his number

In 1992, Magic Johnson received medical clearance, attempted a comeback to the NBA, playing several preseason games.

Many players and executives spoke against his return. One of those voices arose prominently. That of Karl Malone, the same that a few months earlier had been his teammate on the Dream Team. He complained to be constantly subject to cuts during games and that he would not feel free to play unbound against Magic. The fear to be infected would always be on his mind.

Earvin ultimately decided to cancel his return to the NBA.

Anyway, many years later, in 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of the biggest free agent moves of their recent history, bringing in Karl Malone and Gary Payton to complement Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in the hunt for another title. The Lakers automatically became the favorite to the championship.

In the introductory press conference of the two future Hall of Famers, Magic announced that he would give his retired 32 to Malone, who had worn the same number in Utah his whole career. The jersey was even presented.

Despite what Malone had said about him in the past, Magic did not hesitate to offer his symbol in the history of the franchise to the new star coming in. He never said a word about his detrimental past declarations during The Mailman’s tenure in LA. Malone, at the same time, was respectful enough to refuse to take the 32 off the rafters and opted to wear his Olympic number, 11.