On March 22, 1994, the Los Angeles Lakers announce that
Magic Johnson will replace head coach Randy Pfund, who was fired after
compiling a 66-80 record in less than two seasons. Johnson, only 34, had
retired in 1991 when he learned he was HIV-positive.
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| Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson (right) talking with James Worthy (left) after he was appointed to the head coaching position during the 1993-1994 season. |
Johnson discovered immediately that coaching wasn’t in his
heart. Things got off to a solid start, as the Lakers won five of their fist
six games under their new coach. But the Lakers closed out the season with 10
consecutive losses, the longest losing streak in franchise history, finishing
the season with a 33-49 record – missing the playoffs for the first time since
1976.
Not even a month after taking the job, Johnson announced in
the middle of April that he wouldn’t be returning for the 1994-1995 season.
Magic’s brief coaching stint ended with a 5-11 record,
however, Johnson became a part owner of the Lakers that summer.
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