Magic Returns to Forum, Extends Streak : Pro basketball: After 138-111 victory over the 76ers, his various teams are 15-0 in games he has played since retiring.

Another night, another triumphant entrance.

Magic Johnson, who wowed them in prior returns at Orlando, Barcelona and Honolulu, did his show for the home folks Tuesday night, scoring 12 points with 14 assists in 20 minutes of a 138-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Forum.

Counting his appearances in the All-Star game, the Tournament of the Americas, the Olympics and this exhibition season, Johnson has gone 15-0 since he retired.

As in the opener against the Portland Trail Blazers in Hawaii, his impact wasn’t hard to measure.

He went the first four minutes at point guard as the Lakers took a 15-6 lead.

He returned as a forward during the second quarter as the Lakers kicked a 13-point lead to 24.

“I’m very excited,” Johnson said before the game.

“To walk down that runway again, turn left, see that Forum floor, lead the troops out once again--I’ve been waiting on this.”

So had Laker fans.

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The Lakers, 2-0 with Johnson, get another test without him. After absorbing a 112-83 pounding by the Trail Blazers, they will play the 3-0 Knicks tonight with Johnson sitting out.

The Knicks, preseason favorites to challenge the Chicago Bulls in the East, looked the part, walking over the Utah Jazz, 118-96, in their first game.

Knick Coach Pat Riley is trying to downplay expectations.

“I don’t think it’s accurate right now, but it’s fashionable because of the way we finished last year,” Riley said.

“Until this team proves it can play together consistently . . . it’s a long year.”

Laker Notes

Magic Johnson says he might add some back-to-back games to his schedule. He had already mentioned some, such as the games at Detroit and New York in March. Now he says he might play in some that involve short flights, such as those against Pacific Division foes.

James Worthy sat out because of sore left knee. . . . The Knicks’ three former Clippers said they love New York, with only a few complaints about their old team. Said Charles Smith: “They (Clippers) could have signed me a couple of years ago and got it over with. . . . I wouldn’t say I felt unwelcome there. I did earn a lot of money there. It’s just, I think I played long and hard for it to come to the situation it came down to.”

Bo Kimble has three seasons left on his guaranteed contract but is running No. 6 among Knick guards, with five spots open. How did his career come to this? “I thought I had more support from the Clippers,” Kimble said.

“They encouraged me not to shoot the ball my first two years, That’s what I do best. I’ve got my confidence back. Now it’s just a matter of getting minutes.”