Lakers: When Magic Johnson got accidentally ‘knocked out’ against the Bulls

[photo credit: screen grab from Baller Esports YouTube]
[photo credit: screen grab from Baller Esports YouTube]

On February 3, 1991, the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Chicago Bulls in a regular season matchup. Earvin “Magic” Johnson led the Lakers while the Bulls had Michael Jordan at the helm.

The purple and gold managed to pull off a win over the Bulls, 99-86. It was the 15th straight win for LA at the time although it came at a cost.

Johnson was knocked unconscious in the third quarter of that game after tripping over teammate Terry Teagle and then getting accidentally kicked by Bulls forward Horace Grant.

Johnson was left on the floor for about 5 minutes after the incident but was able to get up on his own.

“It’s all happened to everybody in here,” Lakers center Mychal Thompson said via the Washington Post. “He really didn’t hit his head hard on the floor. He just collided with one of his teammates.”

It is unclear if Johnson, who has missed only two of 45 games, will play Tuesday against the Clippers.

“It was a scary moment for him, but Magic is tough,” Thompson said.

Lakers team physician Dr. Robert Kerland said that the 3-time NBA Finals MVP did not appear serious although Johnson was stretchered onto an ambulance and brought to the hospital.

Byron Scott led the Lakers with 18 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist while Teagle had 16 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.

Johnson played 31 minutes before the incident and finished with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Scottie Pippen led the Bulls in that loss with 24 points 8 rebounds and 5 assists but did not score in the fourth quarter. Michael Jordan added 23 points 9 assists and 7 rebounds as the Bulls and the Lakers finished their season series that year 1-1.

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