Magic Johnson’s prolific NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers was beginning to wind down in the early 1990’s, and then came his
startling announcement on Nov. 7, 1991 that he was HIV-positive, putting a sudden end to his playing career--at least temporarily. While
Johnson did rebound to play in the 1992 All-Star Game (winning MVP
honors) and lead the 1992 "Dream Team" squad
to an Olympic gold medal, he did not return to regular NBA
action until the 1995-96 season. At the age of 36, Magic made his comeback official on January 29, 1996 and appeared in the final 32 games
of the season for the Lakers, averaging 14.6 points, 6.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds--not too shabby after a five-year layoff.
This lot features Magic’s pair of
game-worn sneakers from his 1996 comeback and final official NBA season. The mostly white "MVP [brand] Magic Johnson Signature Series" shoes exhibit visible wear on the exterior and outsoles, stamped with the MVP logo on the heel, ankle, tongue and outsoles. The shoelaces appear to be the originals. The size is not
marked, but they appear to come in Magic’s standard 14-15 range. Fantastic sneakers from the very end of the NBA's greatest floor general of all-time.
Provenance: This lot originates from a gentleman who has enjoyed a
long and successful career in Hollywood as an agent for many well-known
athletes and entertainers. His professional and personal network enabled
him to amass a significant collection of memorabilia, nearly all of
which was given to him directly from the athletes and entertainers
themselves. All of these items are being introduced to the marketplace
here for the first time. While our consignor remains anonymous, SCP
Auctions will issue an LOA for each game used item attesting to its
player-direct provenance.