“He ran by me and he was sobbing. … That shook me” - Kurt Rambis reveals the late Jerry Buss’ emotional reaction after Magic Johnson announced he had HIV
November 7, 1991, was a sad day for the LA Lakers as Magic Johnson announced his abrupt retirement after he tested positive for HIV. Not much was known about the disease at the time and it carried a huge stigma.
Upon announcing that he had contracted the virus, the entire NBA community was left in shock. In the fourth episode of Hulu's "Legacy True Story of the LA Lakers," former forward Kurt Rambis revealed the late Jerry Buss' reaction to the incident. Buss was the owner of the Lakers at the time.
"Dr. Buss ran out of the room, and he ran by me, and he was sobbing," said Rambis. "And I had never heard a man sob before. And that shook me."
Jerry Buss and Magic Johnson shared a father-son relationship
Jerry Buss' first order of business as LA Lakers owner was to draft Magic Johnson with the first pick in 1979. Johnson returned the favor by becoming a vital cog in the Lakers' "Showtime" era, helping them win five championships in the 1980s.
“Not only was (Magic Johnson) a great player but he did it with style”.
@JeanieBuss tells @JumpShot & @DarthAmin why her dad, Dr. Jerry Buss, was inspired to draft Magic. https://t.co/e7VqyF1Y97
When Johnson first came to LA from Michigan, Buss ensured the three-time NBA MVP felt at home, treating him like his son. The former Lakers owner showed him around town, took him to parties, and so on.
Johnson and Buss shared a solid relationship ever since they met. The latter also helped the former grow as a businessman for years after his retirement.
"It was kind of like father-son, but also brother-brother. They really had this kinship together."
@jeffpearlman on Magic Johnson/Jerry Buss and "Winning Time." https://t.co/7uPy5RudZ1
Magic Johnson shed light on his dynamic with Buss when the latter passed away in 2013, saying (via USA Today):
"But he actually became my second father. He actually took me in. He took me to my first USC football game. We went every Saturday that they played at home."
Johnson added:
"He allowed me to look at the books. He took me through the books. That's the reason I'm a businessman today, because of Dr. Buss. He allowed me to buy into the Lakers," Johnson said. "(Next to the championships) ... it was my second greatest moment, owning the Lakers.
"I'm indebted to him. He is a man that touched so many peoples' lives. He allowed me to be one of the Buss boys."
Fans can learn more about their relationship on Hulu's 10-part docuseries, "Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers."