Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers: When Air Jordan Met Magic Johnson

By Davide Tovani

INGLEWOOD, UNITED STATES: Los Angeles Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson (L) and Michael Jordan (R) of the Chicago Bulls laugh with a reporter 02 February during their post-game press conference at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. This was the second game after Johnson's return to the Lakers since he retired in November 1991 after contracting the virus that causes AIDS. The Bulls won 99-84. AFP PHOTO Tiziana SORGE (Photo credit should read TIZIANA SORGE/AFP via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, UNITED STATES: Los Angeles Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson (L) and Michael Jordan (R) of the Chicago Bulls laugh with a reporter 02 February during their post-game press conference at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. This was the second game after Johnson's return to the Lakers since he retired in November 1991 after contracting the virus that causes AIDS. The Bulls won 99-84. AFP PHOTO Tiziana SORGE (Photo credit should read TIZIANA SORGE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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(Photo credit should read TIZIANA SORGE/AFP via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo credit should read TIZIANA SORGE/AFP via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

February 2, 1996 – Chicago Bulls @ Los Angeles Lakers

The 1995-96 season saw the spectacular return of the two legends to the NBA. I mean, Jordan had already returned to the Chicago Bulls the year before, but that was Michael Jordan no. 45. Michael Jordan the MVP was back in the Fall of 1995.

That season the Bulls were an unstoppable force. They put together the greatest team in NBA history, which would end the season with a 72-10 record. They were an unbelievable show and became a media circus, generating excitement and craziness wherever they went.

On the West Coast, in the meantime, Magic Johnson made his triumphant return at the end of January, after four seasons away from the NBA. The mediocre Los Angeles Lakers saw the return of their legendary leader, who would take the backup forward role and hopefully helped them make a decent playoff push.

Just in his second game, Magic met for the last time Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

It was not a particularly interesting game, as the Bulls led by 20 in the early third quarter and the final score (99-84) does not do justice to the Bulls.

Among the highlights of the game, Rodman had 15 rebounds at halftime and finished with a season-high 23. The short-ended Bulls, without Luc Longley and Toni Kukoc for injuries, and foul troubles, had to dive deep in their bench, as 40 years old James Edwards saw extended playing time, scoring 12 points.

The first quarter finished with a running three-point buzzer-beater by Anthony Peeler.

Magic did not have a great game, though he finished with 15 points. He forced his way trying to establish himself on the Bulls, probably willing to prove them he still was a threat to be respected, attacking Rodman repeatedly in the post. Not the best strategy for the Lakers,but Dennis had a hard time trying to stop him, anyway.

This was the last meeting between Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. The last time two of the greatest legends of basketball stepped on the same court. The representatives of two different eras of basketball and brand of games. Their opposition was probably the emblem of that game’s change.

Next. The post-playing legacy of the Showtime Lakers. dark

At the end of the season Magic definitely retired, while Jordan and the Bulls would go on winning another three-peat.

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