THE RETURN OF MAGIC JOHNSON : Rivals Say Johnson Will Automatically Make Lakers Better : Reaction: Few are surprised. Sacramento’s new coach, Garry St. Jean, says, ‘It’ll be typical L.A. all over again.’

Pat Riley was not surprised.

“I felt all along that Magic would come back,” said Riley, the New York Knick coach who also coached Magic Johnson to four NBA titles with the Lakers. “As it has always been in his life, it’s another challenge for him and the Lakers. It was obvious from the All-Star game and the Olympics that Magic realized just how much this game was a part of his life.

“He is obviously going to live his life as he chooses and pursue his dreams. This is another great day in the life of Magic Johnson. He will provide the fans with what they’ve missed. I wish him only the best.”

That was the general sentiment Tuesday when Johnson announced that he would play again for the Lakers.

“Rumors travel around the league pretty quick, and the word was out that he was in fabulous shape, that his body fat was down, that his strength was up,” said Garry St. Jean, the Sacramento Kings’ first-year coach. “Like everyone else, we wish him all the best. Who else in the league has more fun playing basketball than Magic Johnson?”

And who else can do so much to better a team?

“He takes (the Lakers) from a team that’s in the middle of the Pacific Division and the Western Conference to a legitimate contender,” St. Jean said. “How many games in terms of numbers? I can’t tell you that. All you want is a chance to win it all, and he creates that.

“It just keeps them on the forefront as one of the top teams in the league.”

Said Scott Layden, the director of basketball operations of the Utah Jazz: “His presence makes them a better team, both on and off the court. A player of his talent, of course, makes the whole group so much better on the court. And I also think he’ll impact their young guys, which is always helpful. He has a great effect on young players.”

Even though the Lakers will be a year older, they figured to improve on last season’s 43-39 finish, as long as James Worthy, Sam Perkins and Vlade Divac come back strong from injuries. But the addition of Johnson will be the biggest boost of all.

They open Nov. 6 against the Clippers at the Sports Arena in a game between teams that finished only two games apart in the standings last season. The Lakers will be off the next night, a Saturday, then will face Sacramento at the Forum on Nov. 8.

“There’ll be that great demand again for tickets, Chick Hearn will be calling the action. . . ,” St. Jean said. “It’ll be typical L.A. all over again. The place will be ready.”

Johnson announced his return six weeks after Larry Bird announced his retirement from the Boston Celtics.

“I am thrilled for Magic, and I am glad he will be able to continue playing,” Bird said of his rival and friend. “I’m sure that he and his family have made the decision that they feel is best for him, and I wish him all the luck in the world. It will be great to watch him play again.”

Reaction to Johnson’s announcement from around the league:

--Commissioner David Stern: “Since the day that Magic Johnson announced he has tested HIV-positive, our principle concern has been his personal well-being. We have conferred with his doctors, who have advised they are comfortable with Magic’s decision to return to active competition. We are pleased that he feels well enough to return.”

--NBA consultant Dr. David E. Rogers, the vice chairman of the National Commission on AIDS and a professor at Cornell University Medical College: “I think it’s splendid that Magic is going back to do the thing he does best. For him to resume his career is a very encouraging statement to others who are HIV-positive that they can lead normal lives.”

--Indiana Pacer President Donnie Walsh: “I think for the benefit of NBA fans and all the people involved in the game of basketball that it is great Magic is returning. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime player, and we’ll all get to see him play some more.”

--Boston’s Reggie Lewis: “I’m not surprised at all. I know Magic. He’s a real competitor, and he loves to play the game. I felt that if he was healthy enough and if the doctors agreed with him and said that it was OK, he could come back.”

--Celtic guard Dee Brown, saying he isn’t concerned about playing against an HIV-positive player: “It doesn’t bother me at all. You worry about his health because you don’t know what’s going to happen if he wears himself down too quick.”