THAT MAGIC TOUCH NBA LEGEND CONNECTED WITH WORLD IN '92 GAME.

Byline: STEVE DILBECK

NBA Commissioner David Stern is being driven around L.A. to one of this week's numerous All-Star events, talking on a cell phone and being asked about the game 12 years ago in Orlando, Fla.

``All things considered, that was the most memorable All-Star Game,'' Stern said. ``It was as close to perfect as it could be.''

A game like none before it, and none since. One with a unique backdrop, surrounded by uncertainty and then delivered as if from a distant dream.

Magic's All-Star Game.

That was the season Magic Johnson stunned the basketball world, if not the entire world, by announcing he was HIV-positive and would retire.

Yet there he was in 1992, still tabbed an All-Star, having not played in the NBA all season and no one certain how he would perform.

Magic appeared in 12 NBA All-Star Games, but none quite like that one.

``My best All-Star Game, without a doubt,'' Magic said. ``That comeback, playing in that game, was just outstanding for me. And I think for everybody. Because nobody knew what to expect. A lot of people thought I was finished.''

Instead, it was as if he'd never been away. It was the league's game, but his moment.

He passed and shot and smiled like always, only somehow better. He scored 25 points, passed out nine assists and took down five rebounds in 29 minutes to earn his second All-Star MVP.

And he capped it off by hitting three consecutive 3-pointers, the last one from 25 feet over Isiah Thomas. There were 14.5 seconds left, but players from both teams mobbed him.

``The players said, 'That's it. Let's just walk off.' Because the ending couldn't be better,'' Magic said. ``All of them came up and hugged me and high-fived me. That's what you remember most.''

That was much different than the previous November, when Magic announced he had contacted HIV from a myriad of extra-marital affairs.

Back then, the general population knew little of HIV. To most, it was AIDS, not the virus that can lead to it. Fear and ignorance surrounded the word. People were uncertain if it could be contacted by kissing or sweat or even if airborne.

Some players, notably current Lakers forward Karl Malone, expressed concern over playing against Magic.

``When he announced he was HIV-positive, we went out and hired experts and did extensive research,'' Stern said. ``But what people don't remember in 2004, is the status of the world and the attitudes towards people who were HIV-positive then.

``Magic changed the debate. Suddenly HIV had a face. And it really changed it for the better.''

Magic remains healthy and robust. His business empire swells by the day. He's become wealthier through his various urban businesses, and he claims he's more popular than he ever was as a player.

``So much has changed,'' he said. ``Twelve years ago a few players came out against me because they were not educated about HIV. But now, it's not even a thing. We just go out and play pickup and do our thing.

``And also, 12 years later a lot of people thought I wouldn't be here. Here I am.''

Magic is credited for much of the world's HIV enlightenment, and no single moment might have been more crucial than that All-Star Game in Orlando.

Magic had been playing in some pickup games, but few then were certain how his body would respond in an actual NBA game. If there would simply be rust, or physical damage from his virus. If players would greet him warmly, or wearily.

The answers came quickly.

``At the beginning of the game, when every player who was introduced from both teams, they came down and hugged me and high-fived me,'' he said. ``That was special.''

There was the memorable kiss on the cheek from Thomas before the opening tip. Then his first pass was a turnover.

But after that, all Magic.

Stern not only let him play in the game, Tim Hardaway not only let him have his starting spot, but West coach Don Nelson let Magic play his game.

And it just seemed to build, the sellout crowd of 14,272 gave him a standing ovation when he was introduced, and then several more as it became apparent old skills remained fresh.

Magic was leading the break, driving, pulling up for that awkward set shot, flashing his memorable smile, being Magic.

Then the ending was electric and pure Hollywood. Magic stopping Thomas one-on-one, Michael Jordan on another trip, and then ripping off those 3s.

``One of the most memorable games I've ever played in,'' retired Spurs center David Robinson said afterward. ``The last few minutes I just became a fan, watching the show.''

When Magic's final shot fell through the net in the last seconds, a great show had its fitting finale.

``It was really a dream ending,'' Stern said. ``That 3-point shot, the Most Valuable Player, the sort of reaffirmation of life. It was a beautiful day.

``It was our own little miracle. The only bigger miracle, based upon how we felt back then, is how well Earvin is doing now.''

There would later be an aborted comeback, a still later short return, and a brief stint at coaching.

But when they unveil a statue of Magic today in front of Staples Center, the All-Star Game that will come rushing back will be that one in Orlando, when he not only entertained in his unique way, but opened eyes.

Now Magic owns 56 Starbucks. He owns TGI Friday's restaurants, 24-Hour Fitness clubs. He said he controls $750 million in real estate. He has opened health clinics and free technical centers in urban areas throughout the country. Has started a housing program.

He has accomplished much since that turning-point All-Star Game, still teaching the world how someone with HIV can continue their life.

``I mean, 12 years, man. It almost feels like a blur,'' he said. ``Here I was playing basketball, then you're upset you have to retire. And then you turn that into a business.

``I'm happy with me. I'm happy with my life. I'm happy with the way I've grown over 12 years. And I'm happy with the things I've done to help people.''

NBA ALL-STAR GAME

Where: Staples Center

When: Sunday, 5 p.m.

TV: TNT 

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) Magic Johnson showed off his 1992 All-Star MVP trophy in 1992. Johnson participated as an HIV-positive player and was warmly received by fans and players alike.

Andrew D. Bernstein/NBA photos

(2) Magic Johnson came out of retirement to score 25 points and earn MVP honors in a memorable 1992 All-Star game in Orlando.

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Box:

NBA ALL-STAR GAME (see text)