From the moment this smiling young stranger from Michigan jumped into the arms of stunned Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after the kid's first Lakers win, it seemed destined.
When this same joyful presence later directed the Showtime era to five championships with his gifted athleticism and endless imagination, it seemed obvious.
When he essentially ended his career by bravely announcing he was HIV-positive and embarking on a mission to eradicate AIDS while fostering understanding and acceptance for its victims, it was confirmed.
