Magic Johnson Says Lakers Have Asked Him To Return Family, Team Ownership, Lockout Are Concerns Ex-Star Must Weigh

The Los Angeles Lakers want Magic Johnson back, and Johnson is getting interested.

“The Lakers have asked me to return,” he said in Tuesday’s editions of The Honolulu Advertiser. “We’re talking about it, so we have to see what happens. It’s nothing that’s definite yet.”

Johnson has previously hinted at rejoining the NBA, but this is believed to be the first time the Lakers have publicly said they are considering such a move.

Johnson, who turns 36 next month, says he must soon decide on his plans, and his biggest concern is the rigors of NBA life and the time he would have to spend away from his family.

The Lakers great, now part owner of the NBA team, twice retired since announcing in 1992 he has the AIDS virus.

Johnson ended a comeback bid after some players said they were worried about possibly contracting the virus should he spill blood while on the court.

Johnson was in Maui for his annual fantasy camp, along with Lakers general manager Jerry West.

West said times and attitudes about AIDS have changed since Johnson last attempted a comeback.

“I think the decision he made four years ago to retire was a decision I think he regretted,” West said. “Now there’s so much more information about health concerns that I think it’s easier for him to make a decision today.”

The Lakers will hold their training camp in Hawaii this fall, if the lockout ends.

Until then, the Lakers would be barred from signing Johnson to a player contract. Johnson, if he decides to play, would have to give up his ownership rights.

“There’s a very definite possibility he will play,” West told the Honolulu StarBulletin. “We would like an answer soon so we can start doing things for the season … it would help put his mind at ease.”

“I still love to play,” Johnson said. “Even if I don’t come back, I’ll always play somewhere.”