Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 19, 1995 TAG: 9507190055
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES LENGTH: Medium
THE THREE-TIME MVP decides to pursue movie-theater and shopping-mall interests instead.
The playmaking wizard of pro basketball's ``Showtime'' announced Tuesday he can't give the necessary 100 percent of his energy to returning to the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he will concentrate on his expanding movie-theater and shopping-mall interests.
In a way, it was the third retirement announcement by the three-time MVP in pro basketball, who first retired Nov. 7, 1991, when he said he had become infected with the HIV virus which causes AIDS. He rejoined the Lakers in 1992 and retired again before the season started.
Then he said two months ago there was a good chance he would make another comeback as a player with the team he led to five NBA championships in the 1980s, with four other NBA title appearances in his 12-years with the Lakers.
``I was really leaning toward coming back and playing,'' Johnson said in a statement. ``As my business interests continue to increase, I've found that I cannot give 100 percent to basketball, and if I can't give it my all, it's best I don't return.''
Johnson's health is good, and there were no medical questions involved in his decision, said his agent, Lon Rosen.
``He'll continue his basketball career, just not in the NBA,'' Rosen said. Johnson's all-star team will tour Europe and Asia this year.
Johnson tried to return for the 1992-93 season, playing in five preseason games. But on Nov. 2, 1992, before the regular-season opener, he retired after suffering a cut during an exhibition game. The cut had sparked concern he might spread the AIDS virus to other players if injured.
He also coached the Lakers briefly near the end of a dismal 1993-94 season and found the experience unfulfilling.
Eight weeks ago, Johnson expressed strong interest in returning as a player and the Lakers shared his enthusiasm. But in previous considerations of a return to the NBA, Johnson and others had expressed concern about the rigors of an 82-game schedule and the considerable travel involved.
``We've always said that we're happy with whatever he wants to do,'' said Jerry West, the Lakers' executive vice president of basketball operations. ``If he had wanted to play again, we would've loved to have had him. However, we're now very happy to have him continue to play a major role with the Lakers as vice president and part-owner.''
Johnson said his venture to open a movie complex in a predominantly black section of Los Angeles changed his mind.
``I was really leaning toward coming back and playing, but after the tremendous outpouring of support from the community at the grand opening of my theater and the pending opening of my shopping mall in Las Vegas, I realize my future is in business and not playing NBA basketball,'' he said.
``I'm comfortable with my lifestyle,'' said Johnson, who turns 36 on Aug. 14. ``I can play basketball on my world touring team, enjoy spending time with my wife and children, concentrate on my business ventures and continue to pursue other business opportunities.''
by CNB