Magic Johnson reveals Jerry West’s reaction to his HIV diagnosis in emotional tribute after the NBA legend’s death: ‘We cried together for hours in his office’
Hours after basketball legend Jerry West’s death was made public, Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson revealed his friend’s reaction to his HIV diagnosis more than three decades earlier.
Johnson was considered one of the best players in the NBA when he announced he was HIV-positive in 1991.
The news shocked the sports world and those within the Lakers organization, where West worked as an executive at the time.
Johnson said the two “cried together in his office for hours” as part of a lengthy tribute on social media.
West, who is remembered as the silhouette in the NBA logo, died Tuesday at the age of 86.
Johnson and West have been linked since 1979 and are both infamous with the Lakers
West died on Tuesday at the age of 86 and tributes have come from all over the world
“We had a basketball camp in Hawaii for 20 years called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp,” Johnson said. “In camp we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and strengthened our great friendship outside of the Lakers.”
“Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidant,” Johnson continued. “He was there at my highest moments, when he won five NBA championships, and at my lowest moments when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together in his office for hours.”
“Every time I accomplished a goal or reached a milestone, one of the first calls I got was from Jerry West. “When I started my company, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame and was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations, he always picked up the phone and called me personally to congratulate me,” Johnson added.
West was the Lakers coach who drafted Johnson No. 1 overall in 1979 and was team manager for Johnson’s entire run with the franchise.
Johnson now owns part of the nearby Los Angeles Dodgers, while West worked for the Clippers in recent years.
“In addition to his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, he loved his family and friends deeply, and despite having jobs with other franchises, he was a lifelong Lakers fan Johnson said. said.
“Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise in drafting players, trading players and hiring the right coaches,” Johnson continued. “Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans around the world.”