“We both cried together, it was a tough day for us, tough moment” - Magic Johnson on how he and the late Jerry Buss dealt with him being diagnosed with HIV
The late Jerry Buss and former LA Lakers superstar Magic Johnson shared a close relationship. The duo entered the NBA together; Buss as an owner and Johnson as a player. Their partnership proved fruitful and delivered plenty of success to LA.
However, their partnership ended after Johnson contracted HIV before the 1991-92 NBA season. He announced his retirement on November 7, 1991. In the fourth episode of Hulu's 10-part docuseries, "Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers," Johnson revealed that he and Buss "cried together" when they found out about the diagnosis.
"Well, we both cried together. It was a tough day for both of us and a tough moment."
Magic Johnson was integral to the LA Lakers' 'Showtime' era under Buss' ownership. His on-court abilities and confident demeanor were instrumental in the Lakers winning five championships during 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
Buss also ensured Johnson was comfortable after arriving in LA. He took care of him like his own son, showed him around, took him to parties, and watched football games together.
Jerry Buss and the Lakers continued to have a close relationship with Magic Johnson after his retirement
Jerry Buss took a 19-year-old Magic Johnson under his wing and guided him through different stages of his career. Buss also helped Johnson become an efficient businessman.
Johnson shed light on their relationship when Buss 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 added. "(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."
"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
HBO's Winning Time and the recently released Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers shed light on the relationship between Buss and Johnson.