Laker Legend Returns to School for L.A. District’s Outreach Program

Magic Johnson stopped by the Crenshaw High School basketball court Monday night to tell the teens there that ditching school is not a game.

“No more excuses,” Johnson told the students. “We just got to get on top of it.”

The NBA superstar-turned-businessman addressed ninth- and 10th-grade students and parents as part of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Diploma Project, which is focused on preventing students from dropping out and intervening when they do.

Crenshaw, which only recently regained its accreditation, was the first in a series of schools Johnson plans to visit as part of the program.

“I know what you’re going through. I’m from the ‘hood too,” he told the students. “But I had dreams that I wanted to do bigger and better things.”

Parents said they hoped students were listening to what the Lakers legend had to say.

“It may make them think twice,” said Kim Crosby, whose college-bound son Alton attends Crenshaw. “But once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Some students doubted whether the visit made a difference.

“For most of them,” said freshman Breana Cathey, 15, “it just goes in one ear and out the other.”

Regardless of how he is received by students, Johnson said, he’s involved for the long haul.

“There was no question I was coming. I go to church down the street. I get my hair cut around the corner,” Johnson said. “But you can’t just stop tonight. You have to keep going.”

School officials said they were sure the momentum behind the message would grow as Johnson continues to visit other schools around the district.

“I’m here from here on,” Johnson said.