Other inductees at the Class of 2002 include the late Croatian player Drazen Petrovic and the Harlem Globetrotters - the first team elected since 1963.

The electees, representing the 44th group since the Hall of Fame process began in 1959, required 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee.

The inductees christened the opening of the new $45m (�29m) Hall of Fame, which will be holding its inaugural ceremonies on Saturday.

Johnson and the Globetrotters were elected in their first year of eligibility.

A native of South Lansing, Michigan, Johnson wound up winning championships at the high school, collegiate, professional and international levels.

He led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA championship in a classic battle against Indiana State's Larry Bird.

That rivalry continued in the 1980s with Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Bird with the Boston Celtics.

Johnson initially retired in 1991 after contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, but he has kept it under control through a variety of medications.

A 12-time NBA All-Star in his 13-year pro career, he led the Lakers to five NBA titles.

"I had a great time," said Johnson about his playing days.

"It was special with Larry Bird on the other side. He kept me on top of my game. I was about winning first and I was doing it while entertaining fans at the same time.

"Whatever it took to win, I would do. It was never about me, but always about the team."

Philadelphia 76ers coach Larry Brown, North Carolina State women's coach Kay Yow and Arizona coach Lute Olson were the other inductees.