Magic Johnson

Who is Magic Johnson?

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport. Over the course of his 13-year career, Johnson dominated the court with the Los Angeles Lakers, establishing himself as a star and winning numerous accolades. He retired from the NBA in 1991 after announcing that he had tested positive for HIV, a diagnosis that shocked the sports world. Despite this, Johnson made an extraordinary comeback in 1996, playing one final season.

Beyond his basketball career, Johnson has become a successful entrepreneur, amassing a diversified business empire that includes real estate investments, ownership of Starbucks franchises, movie theaters, and shares in several professional sports teams. He is also a published author and a philanthropist, known for his dedication to community and youth development.

Early Life

Magic Johnson was born Earvin Johnson Jr. on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, as one of ten children. His parents, Earvin Sr., a worker at a General Motors plant, and Christine, a school custodian, instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication. From an early age, Johnson exhibited a passion for basketball, practicing the sport daily, often starting as early as 7:30 a.m.

While attending Everett High School, Johnson earned his iconic nickname, “Magic,” after a sportswriter witnessed his extraordinary performance—scoring 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists in a single game. This performance solidified his reputation as a rising star.

College Career

Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he played college basketball and further honed his skills. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, he was an imposing presence as a point guard. During his freshman year, Johnson helped lead the Spartans to a Big Ten Conference championship. The following year, he played a key role in guiding Michigan State to the NCAA Finals, where they faced off against the Indiana State Sycamores.

The highly anticipated matchup between Johnson and Indiana’s star player, Larry Bird, became one of the most iconic rivalries in college basketball history. Johnson and his team emerged victorious, cementing his status as one of the nation’s premier basketball players. This rivalry would continue into their professional careers in the NBA.

NBA Career with the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1979, Johnson left college early and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the first overall pick in the NBA draft. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. His exceptional play helped lead the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers, securing the championship in six games. Johnson was named the NBA Finals MVP, marking the first of several such honors during his career.

The Lakers continued their dominance in the 1980s, with Johnson playing a key role in their success. In his third season (1981-1982), the Lakers again faced the 76ers in the NBA Finals. For the second time, they emerged victorious, with Johnson earning his second Finals MVP award after contributing 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in the decisive Game 6.

However, the 1982-1983 season saw the Lakers fall short in the Finals, as they were defeated by the 76ers, who won the series 4-0. Despite this setback, Johnson’s leadership and skill on the court helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Larry Bird Rivalry

In the 1984 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson faced off against his longtime rival Larry Bird, who had joined the Boston Celtics. This marked the first of several high-stakes encounters between the two legendary teams. The Celtics emerged victorious in a fiercely contested series, winning the championship four games to three. However, the following year, Johnson and the Lakers exacted revenge by defeating the Celtics in the 1985 Finals.

Throughout the remainder of the 1980s, Johnson and the Lakers remained a dominant force in the NBA. In the 1987 Finals, they once again overcame the Celtics, with Johnson earning his third and final NBA Finals MVP Award. That season, he also recorded a career-best average of 23.9 points per game, which earned him his first NBA MVP Award—an honor he would go on to win again in 1989 and 1990.

HIV Diagnosis

In November 1991, Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the Lakers after revealing that he had contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. He believed he had contracted the disease through unprotected sexual activity. The timing of the diagnosis was particularly challenging, as his wife, Cookie, was pregnant with their first child. Fortunately, both Cookie and their son, Earvin III, tested negative for the virus.

At the time, the general public held misconceptions about HIV, with many believing it primarily affected homosexuals or intravenous drug users. Johnson’s decision to publicly disclose his diagnosis helped raise awareness about the disease and reduce the stigma surrounding it. In the same year, he established the Magic Johnson Foundation to support HIV/AIDS research and awareness programs. Additionally, he authored the educational guide What You Can Do to Avoid AIDS in 1992.

Dream Team

Undeterred by his diagnosis, Johnson participated in the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona as a member of the American “Dream Team.” Alongside fellow basketball icons Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, he helped lead the team to a gold medal. Although Johnson hoped to return to the NBA the following season, his plans were met with resistance from other players who expressed concerns about competing with an HIV-positive athlete.

Retirement and Ventures

After his basketball retirement, Johnson pursued various endeavors. In 1992, he published his memoir My Life, following the success of his earlier books Magic (1983) and Magic’s Touch (1989). He also worked as a television sports commentator and briefly dabbled in coaching with the Lakers during the 1993-1994 season. Additionally, he purchased a small share of the Lakers.

In 1996, Johnson staged a brief comeback with the Lakers, playing for several months before retiring for good later that year. His basketball career left an indelible mark on the sport, with Johnson amassing 17,707 points, 10,141 assists, 6,559 rebounds, and 1,724 steals. He also set an NBA record for assists per game, averaging 11.2—a title he still holds today. In 1996, Johnson was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Magic Johnson Theater and Business Success

Just as he had dominated the basketball court, Johnson became a formidable force in business. He founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, which boasts a diverse portfolio of holdings. His focus has been on revitalizing urban communities, notably bringing Starbucks coffee franchises and movie theaters to underserved areas. In 2008, he shared his business wisdom in the book 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business.

In 2009, Johnson collaborated with his former rival Larry Bird to co-author When the Game Was Ours, a memoir that delves into their fierce rivalry and the sport they both loved. That same year, Johnson was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Sports Executive and Lakers President

In 2010, Johnson sold his stake in the Lakers and later joined an ownership group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team in 2012. He also became a part-owner of the Dayton Dragons minor league team and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. In early 2017, Johnson returned to the Lakers as president of basketball operations, making a significant move by signing megastar LeBron James in 2018. However, he resigned from his position at the end of the 2018-2019 NBA season.

Personal Life

Magic Johnson’s personal life includes his marriage to Cookie Johnson, with whom he has two children: son Earvin III, born in 1992, and daughter Elisa, whom they adopted in 1995. Johnson also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship.