Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships was nominated in his first year of eligibility.

There are few doubts that will be inducted at the first time of asking.

So much so that, in a break with tradition, the Hall of Fame is announcing its inductees in June in Los Angeles, where Johnson spent his entire 13-year pro career.

Johnson left the NBA after the 1990-91 season following a stunning announcement that he had HIV.

He returned to basketball to help the United States win Olympic gold in 1992 and returned to the NBA in the 1994-95 season, surpassing the 10,000 career-assists mark.

Brightest star

Johnson hoped to enter the Hall of Fame with Bird, who was inducted in 1998.

He even asked the Hall to waive its rule requiring players be retired five years before induction.

A successful businessman, he is also vice-president of the Lakers.