Magic Comeback in NBA or Europe Is ‘50-50’

Magic Johnson said there’s a 50-50 chance he will play next season--either in Europe or the NBA--and speculated on ways he could return to the Lakers.

“It’s going to have to be some kind of scenario,” Johnson said before Wednesday night’s Laker-New York Knick game.

“You can’t play 82 games. We’d definitely have to work out something . . . just make sure if I play 60 instead of 82 that it’s all right with everybody.”

Johnson met with his physicians, David Ho and Michael Mellman, last week and discussed his preparations for the Olympics.

“I’ll more or less make a decision on next season after the Olympics,” Johnson said.

Johnson said his wife, Cookie, was at first opposed to any return but has changed her mind.

“She’s funny,” Johnson said. “At first, ‘No way. You can’t play.’ And now, ‘Get out there.’

“We had to be educated, both of us. I didn’t know. I thought one morning I was supposed to wake up sick. We’re all excited at how great everything’s going.”