At the age of 66, the name Magic Johnson is still an immortal symbol in the hearts of basketball fans around the world. He is not only remembered for his 5 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, but also for his extraordinary determination in the fight against HIV over the past three decades. However, today, the sports world was shocked when Magic Johnson burst into tears at a press conference and announced a heartbreaking truth: he had been diagnosed with cancer.
In a choking moment, Magic Johnson had to stop several times to wipe away his tears. With a trembling voice, he shared: “I have faced death once in my life and won. But this time, the challenge has come and I cannot deny the truth. I have cancer.” The press conference space fell silent, many reporters and fans burst into tears upon hearing those words.
The entire sports world was stunned. From former teammates Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy to later-generation stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, all sent words of encouragement and spirit. The Lakers – the team associated with Johnson’s name – immediately hung a banner reading “Stay Strong, Magic” in the arena. On social media, the hashtag #PrayForMagic quickly became the top global trend in just a few hours, with millions of fans sharing photos, memories and prayers for the legend.
What moved the public even more was the image of Magic Johnson, who boldly stepped up to the press conference podium in 1991 to announce his HIV infection during a time when the world was still full of prejudice, now still as brave as before. Once again, he did not hide, did not run away, but openly shared the truth to inspire those who are fighting the disease. “I want people to know that I will not give up. I fought once and I will fight again. I believe I still have many reasons to continue living, to continue inspiring,” Johnson affirmed.
Medical experts said that the type of cancer he has and the specific treatment regimen are still unknown, but Johnson revealed that he has begun initial treatment steps and his spirit is “still very strong”. Family, friends and former teammates are always by his side to give him strength.
Images of Magic Johnson in tears but still smiling, raising his fist as a promise to fight, are being shared rapidly. Fans everywhere call him “the immortal warrior”, not only because of what he has done on the field, but also because of the way he has faced the harshest adversities in life.
If in 1991, Magic Johnson changed global awareness of HIV with his courage, today, at the age of 66, he once again reminds the world that true strength does not lie in sports victories, but in the way people dare to face the truth and constantly fight for life.
