Timetable for Magic’s Return Changes

Magic Johnson, feeling better but not yet over his flu, said Tuesday it might be a slow recovery.

Coach Mike Dunleavy had hoped Johnson might practice today and play Sunday.

However, Laker doctors have Johnson on a gradual reconditioning program. He may not rejoin practice this week. Trainer Gary Vitti has said that it might be another week after he returns to practice before he plays.

“Your legs and wind are the first things that go,” Johnson said. “So the good conditioning I had is now lost.

“Obviously, I’d like to play Sunday, but I don’t know if it’s going to happen. If it’s on me, I’d like to play tonight.”

Johnson, working with a physical therapist, ran two miles on a treadmill Tuesday. He said it wasn’t easy.

He has lost weight but doesn’t know how much.

“I haven’t weighed myself,” he said. “I’m scared to.”