That Time Los Angeles Lakers Great Magic Johnson Shunned The Kansas City Kings

Hall of Famer Magic Johnson only returned for another season at Michigan State because he didn't want to play for the Kansas City Kings

NBA great Magic Johnson almost never landed with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

If not for his father, Earvin Sr., the term "Showtime Lakers" may have never existed. Nor would his storied rivalry with Larry Bird. 

Johnson was debating whether to Michigan State after his freshman year. At the time, the Kansas City Kings were interested in drafting Johnson. He told the story of meeting the Kings' general manager that year during an appearance on the "All The Smoke" podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. 

"Kansas City had the No. 1 pick, so they called me," Johnson said. "They said, `Hey, we want to draft you No. 1."'

The Kings actually had the No. 2 pick that year. Johnson flew to meet the Kansas City brass. They offered a six-year, $200,000 deal. 

"I got excited. I've been broke my whole life," Johnson said.

Then his dad intervened because the family wasn't thrilled about Johnson playing in Kansas City. 

"My father grabbed me and he pulled me outside the door," Johnson said. "He said, `Hold on, we'll be right back.' He said you've been broke for 18 years, you can be broke for one more year. I said, `Yes sir."' 

Johnson ultimately decided to stay another year in college. It allowed him to lead Michigan State to a NCAA championship. He defeated Bird's Indiana State team in the final, beginning one of the best rivalries in sports history.

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of the Back In The Day NBA. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com