Magic Should Stay Out of All-Star Game, Barkley Says

Charles Barkley said Monday the NBA All-Star game is a reward for players and should not be an opportunity for Magic Johnson to return to the game.

“I have thought about picking up the phone, calling Magic and telling him maybe he shouldn’t play in the All-Star game,” Barkley told reporters after practice Monday.

“It’s his decision, but the All-Star game is a reward for players who’ve had a great first half of the season,” the Philadelphia 76er forward said.

Johnson, who retired from the Lakers Nov. 7 after testing positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was selected by fans to start for the Western Conference in the game Sunday at Orlando.

Barkley, who will start for the Eastern Conference, said Johnson would overshadow the other players.

“Obviously, he’s going to be the center of attention,” Barkley said. “I feel bad for the young guys because that should be their reward. . . . It’s going to be a media circus, and that’s unfortunate.”

Barkley recalled his first All-Star game in 1987.

“I was like a little kid in the candy store,” he said. “I called up all my friends in my room to remind them I was playing.”

He said others should have a similar opportunity to get the spotlight, players such as Dikembe Mutombo of the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns’ Jeff Hornacek and Don Majerle, all making their first All-Star appearances.

Johnson was second only to the Portland Trail Blazers’ Clyde Drexler in voting for guards.

Since retiring, Johnson has declared his intention to play in the Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He also said last week he hasn’t given up the idea of returning to the Lakers.