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'

By Eric Blum

Published: | Updated:

Hours after basketball legend Jerry West's passing was made public, Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson revealed his friend's reaction to his HIV diagnosis more than 30 years prior. 

Johnson was viewed as 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 inside the Lakers organization, where West was working as an executive at the time. 


Johnson said the two 'cried together for hours in his office' for hours as part of a lengthy tribute on social media. 

West, who is memorialized as the silhouette in the NBA's logo, passed away Tuesday at 86. 

Johnson and West had been associated since 1979 and are both infamous with the Lakers

Johnson and West had been associated since 1979 and are both infamous with the Lakers

West passed away at 86 on Tuesday and tributes have come down from around the globe

West passed away at 86 on Tuesday and tributes have come down from around the globe

'We had a basketball camp in Hawaii called the Jerry West Magic Johnson Fantasy Camp for 20 years' Johnson said. 'At the camp we shared every meal together and that’s when we really bonded and solidified our great friendship outside of the Lakers.' 

'Jerry West was more than a general manager, he was a great friend and confidante,' Johnson continued. 'He was there in my highest moments, winning 5 NBA Championships, and in my lowest moment when I announced my HIV diagnosis and we cried together for hours in his office.'

'Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me,' Johnson added. 

West was the Lakers' coach who drafted Johnson No 1 overall in 1979 and was a team executive for Johnson's entire run with the franchise. 

Johnson now owns part of the nearby Los Angeles Dodgers, while West worked for the Clippers over the last several years. 

'Beyond his basketball accolades as a basketball player and NBA executive, Jerry West was a great man, a leader of men, fiercely loved his family and friends, and despite holding jobs with other franchises, he was a Lakers fan for life,' Johnson said. 

'Laker Nation, the only reason we have 17 NBA championships is because of Jerry West and his expertise drafting players, trading for players, and hiring the right coaches,' Johnson continued. 'Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.'

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