Magic Uses Charity Game as His Showcase Again

Magic Johnson might still be retired, but he showed once again Sunday night that he still knows how to finish a basketball game.

Before a sellout crowd at the Forum, Johnson made a driving layup at the buzzer to give his “White” team an 181-179 victory over the “Blue” team in the eighth annual “A Midnight Summer’s Magic” all-star game.

Although there have been reports of a possible return to the Lakers, Johnson said he had not talked to Laker General Manager Jerry West “or anybody” regarding a comeback.

“I know that once he (West) hears this, that I will probably get a call from him tomorrow,” Johnson said. “I know one thing he doesn’t need is this headache. He has enough to worry about.”

The rumors regarding another comeback began when Johnson announced that he will lead a team of former NBA players on a 20-game tour from October to December. It was reported that after the tour he would rejoin the Lakers for the second half of the 1993-94 NBA season.

“I’m not saying that I am coming back,” said Johnson, who finished with 10 points and 13 assists. “But, whatever happens . . . happens.”

Whether he returns or not, Johnson’s annual charity all-star game was again a success in its effort to support the United Negro College Fund. In eight years, the game has raised more than $7 million for UNCF.

The leading scorer for the White team was former USC and Inglewood High standout Harold Miner, who had 30 points. Alonzo Mourning added 29 and Michael Jordan scored 28.

The Blue team was led by Shaquille O’Neal, who scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. O’Neal was joined by Chris Webber, who had 30 points.