EDITORIAL\It's Magic time\Johnson defies the odds as well as the AIDS virus.

IT'S a good bet that millions of Americans will be cheering for Magic Johnson as he begins his comeback tonight with the Lakers.

Johnson faces just about the most formidable obstacle imaginable - AIDS. He has been out of the NBA as a player since 1991, when he announced that he had tested positive for HIV, the deadly AIDS virus.

Some will question whether Johnson is doing the wise thing for himself, his family or even the Lakers. In fact, we congratulated him only last summer for abandoning one of his on-again, off-again plans to make a comeback. We pointed out that as both a successful businessman and a spokesman for AIDS prevention, he could be just as inspirational as he was during his years in a Lakers uniform.

Well, not quite. The fact that the 36-year-old Johnson is returning to the National Basketball Association's rugged routine at an age when many healthy players are thinking about retirement says a lot about his courage, intensity and, thankfully, his physical health. It would have been far easier for him to stay off the court and enjoy the memories of his Showtime heroics - those special moments that led the Lakers to five NBA championships.

But then Magic Johnson isn't simply a great athlete. He has brought a special brand of selfless enthusiasm to the game and somehow manages to make his teammates more productive (whether or not they realize it). Here's the consummate team player who displays as much emotion after making an assist as he does after sinking a spectacular basket.

Of course, sports has changed a lot since those Showtime days, but we are certain that however his comeback turns out, Magic Johnson will have much to contribute - on the court as well as off.

CAPTION(S):

PHOTO

Photo Magic Johnson