[1] It was also the highlight of retired All-Star guard, and Lakers legend Magic Johnson making a comeback at the age of 36.
[7][8] The Lakers got off to a slow start losing three of their first four games, but soon recovered holding a 24–18 record before Johnson's arrival on January 30, 1996, in a 128–118 home victory over the Golden State Warriors; Magic had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals in 27 minutes off the bench.
[9][6][10][11][12] The Lakers won ten of their twelve games in February, which included an 8-game winning streak, and held a 28–19 record at the All-Star break.
[34][35] However, in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Lakers lost to the 5th-seeded, and 2-time defending champion Houston Rockets in four games;[36][37][38][39] after the defeat, Magic decided to retire for the second time and for good.
[40][41][42][43][44] Also following the season, Divac was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for 1996 NBA draftee, and high school basketball star Kobe Bryant,[45][46][47][48][49] while Peeler and George Lynch were both dealt to the Vancouver Grizzlies,[50][51][52] Strong signed as a free agent with the Orlando Magic,[53][54] and Threatt was released to free agency.