Magic Returns to Court in All-Star Game Sunday Night

After nearly a two-month layoff prompted by a hamstring injury he suffered in the National Basketball Assn. finals, Magic Johnson will return to the basketball court in his fourth annual Midsummer Night’s Magic All-Star charity game Sunday night at the Forum.

Johnson, who strained his left hamstring June 8 against the Detroit Pistons, has not played or had an all-out practice since the injury.

“I haven’t really done anything with a basketball, in terms of games,” Johnson said Wednesday. “I have just done some shooting and other basics, but Sunday will be the first time.”

Johnson said that doctors have given him clearance to play.

“I have rested my leg all of the way and there has been no problems,” he said. “I have been lifting weights and running a couple of miles a day and right now, I feel good.”

The game, and Saturday night’s black-tie dinner at the Century Plaza Hotel, will benefit the United Negro College Fund. Johnson’s game has raised more than $1 million.

Spike Lee, film producer, director and actor, will coach Johnson’s team, which will include Michael Jordan, Michael Cooper, Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, Kurt Rambis, Reggie Miller, Herb Williams, Jerome Kersey and John Salley.

Talk-show host Arsenio Hall, the winning coach in last year’s game, will coach a team including Karl Malone, Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins, Mark Aguirre, Kiki Vandeweghe, Ron Harper, Frank Brickowski, Spud Webb and Mark Jackson.