Magic Johnson’s prolific NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers was beginning to wind down in the early 1990’s and then came hisstartling announcement on Nov. 7 1991 that he was HIV-positive putting a sudden end to his playing career--at least temporarily. WhileJohnson did rebound to play in the 1992 All-Star Game (winning MVPhonors) and lead the 1992 "Dream Team" squadto an Olympic gold medal he did not return to regular NBAaction 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 gamesof 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 ofgame-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 notmarked 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 along and successful career in Hollywood as an agent for many well-knownathletes and entertainers. His professional and personal network enabledhim to amass a significant collection of memorabilia nearly all ofwhich was given to him directly from the athletes and entertainersthemselves. All of these items are being introduced to the marketplacehere for the first time. While our consignor remains anonymous SCPAuctions will issue an LOA for each game used item attesting to itsplayer-direct provenance.