Magic's Touch

Since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979-1980 season, Magic has become an NBA star, twice named most valuable player. Writing with Sports Illustrated editor Johnson, he presents a book that is less an autobiography than a guide to playing basketball. He does note, however, that growing up in a family of 10 children with a father who held two jobs simultaneously instilled in him the work ethic and discipline needed on the court. He makes the points that playing basketball is difficult, that defense, though hardly glamorous, is the key to the game, and that the impressive statistics of his performance are irrelevant if the team doesn't win. Aspiring players will find the book a trove of practical information, and those who are merely spectators will also be the wiser for it. Photos. 125,000 first printing; $125,000 ad/promo. (Nov.)