SUMMER PRO LEAGUE: MAGIC TIME AT SUMMER PRO LEAGUE.

Byline: Joe Stevens Staff Writer

Some NBA stars fade away. Others become talk-show hosts, open movie theaters, consider running for mayor and repeatedly win pickup games against youngsters.

Hey, it's Magic.

Today at 12:45 p.m., Magic Johnson is scheduled to play at the Pyramid in his only Summer Pro League game and show off his still-impressive hoop skills. Players say he's ``still got game'' and is expected to remind fans about Showtime.

``Just one more time throwing some elbows and getting smacked upside the head,'' Johnson told the Associated Press. ``You like to get it once a year. You have to remember you're 41.''

It has been almost 10 years since Johnson made the shocking announcement he was HIV positive. He told the Associated Press he's ``in everyday shape,'' not NBA shape.

Johnson's squad is named the Magic Johnson All-Stars. None of the 20 roster players are in the NBA.

They'll be playing a team called Young Guns, of which Hornets guard Baron Davis is a member. But Davis previously committed to attend the Fourth Annual Zo's Summer Grove, a charity event run by Alonzo Mourning.

``I really wanted to play against him,'' Davis said. ``But I have to go to Miami.''

Other Young Guns also have engagements in other cities, so coach Ivory Manning has been scrounging around for players.

``I heard Corie Blount's in town, so we're gonna see if we can get him,'' Manning said. ``We're gonna need somebody to guard Magic.''

Blount is a 6-foot-10, 245-pound center/forward and a big Johnson fan.

Some players who are expected to play against Johnson are San Francisco 49er receiver Terrell Owens, former Long Beach State star Joaquin Hawkins and Kansas City Chief tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Hawkins spent last season in the Philippines and Japan, but before that, he played pickup games against Johnson at UCLA.

``He's still good,'' Hawkins said. ``I wouldn't be surprised if he comes out here and gets a triple-double. Earvin is Earvin. He might be retired, but he's still great. He's still got that all-around game. He could play any position if he wanted.''

Johnson, a guard in his playing days, is listed as a power forward.

Gonzalez, who played basketball at California, is itching to get on the court with the legend.

``I'm from Orange County, so I grew up watching him,'' Gonzalez said. ``I'm a fan, just like anybody. When I come down here, to see some of the guys playing here, I feel like a kid in a candy store. If I got to play against Magic, that would be great.''

Admission for the early session has been raised to $17 and $20 for Johnson's appearance at 12:45 p.m. (the first game is at 10:30 a.m.). For the three later games today and for the rest of the league, admission will be $8 and $10.