Viswamithra comes to take Rama with him on his quest to Sidhasrama in "Rama's Initiation". This reveals that Rama has been chosen because instead of requiring for the king himself he asks for his son Rama. Rama does not have much of a choice becoming a hero because the sage puts him in the situation to become a hero.
Answer:
Magic Johnson (my dad saw him play) was born in 1959 in Lansing, Michigan.
Explanation:
1. His father is dead
2. He has not become king himself
3. He is depressed and suicidal