THE PUBLIC MIND: MAGIC JOHNSON FAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO ONE OF BEST IN NBA

Dear Editor:

I am writing in regards to the tragedy that has struck to probably the greatest basketball player whoever played the game. Magic Johnson in my mind was the nice guy of the NBA. Whenever on the court, there was always a smile. And just watching him play was a privilege I'm glad I was around to see.

The L.A. Lakers just won't be the same without him. He is really the heart and soul of their club. Don't get me wrong. Worthy, Cooper, Scott, Thompson, Divac and all the players, they're great. For instance, when you think of the Bulls you think of Michael Jordan, Celtics Larry Bird, 76ers, Charles Barkley, Spurs, David Robinson.

But when you say Los Angeles Lakers, you might as well say Magic Johnson. In this letter, I speak for a lot of people I hope. I just wanted to say a final farewell to Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

Magic has been like an idol to me. Ever since I was old enough to understand basketball, Magic Johnson was all there was. And with five team World Championships, three NBA MVP titles, and the all-time assists leader he couldn't have done it any better. NBA will never be the same without him. To the end of a very popular "era," I say farewell to ol' number 32. I'm sure not only I, but millions of others, will truly miss him.

A true Magic fan,

David Reynolds

Cape Girardeau