Magic Johnson
Earvin Johnson, Earvin "Magic" Johnson
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Who is this?
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. Often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, then led the team to five NBA championships during their "Showtime" era. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again after fellow players protested his return, but returned in 1996, at age 36, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. Known for his extraordinary court vision, passing abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most dominant players of his era. He received three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVP awards, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star Game selections. He led the league in regular-season assists four times. Johnson holds the NBA records for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). He also holds the NBA playoffs records for most career assists and triple-doubles. Johnson was the co-captain of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team"), which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson is one of eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. After leaving the NBA in 1991, he formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, and became a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—being enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010. His friendship and rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced in the 1979 NCAA finals and three NBA championship series, are well-documented. Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, as well as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Johnson is a former part-owner of the Lakers and was the team's president of basketball operations in the late 2010s. He is a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, the managing entity of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB). He is part of ownership groups of the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles FC (MLS), the Washington Commanders (NFL), and the Washington Spirit (NWSL). Johnson has won 16 championships during his career: one in college, five as an NBA player, and ten as an owner. In 2025, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the Uni
Career
- 1959Born
- 1977Joined Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
- 1979Joined Los Angeles Lakers
- 1980Won NBA All-Rookie Team
- 1980Won Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
- 1982Won Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
- 1983Won All-NBA Team
- 1984Won All-NBA Team
- 1996Joined Los Angeles Lakers
Trivia
- •Place of birth: Lansing
- •Citizenship: United States
- •Known as: basketball player, motivational speaker, basketball coach, entrepreneur
- •Sport: basketball
What happened recently
LeBron James once explained why Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan never left the teams that drafted them
"People are handling it with white gloves" - Gerald Wilkins felt many NBA players didn't share their honest view during Magic Johnson's HIV saga
Russell Westbrook reflects emotionally after passing Magic Johnson in NBA assists list
Billionaire Magic Johnson's Las Vegas NBA bid faces new rival targeting $13 billion war chest
"I want it done" – How a clash with Magic Johnson pushed a trusted Lakers coach out the door
Magic Johnson revealed the overlooked truth about NBA stars having sexual activities with different women: "They were treating us like objects"
Magic Johnson Reacts As LeBron James Leaves Lakers After Turbulent Stint in Los Angeles
LeBron James exits Lakers: Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson and Jeanie Buss share emotional tributes
Magic Johnson shares heartfelt message after LeBron James’ Lakers departure update
Magic Johnson sends heartfelt message to LeBron James after Lakers departure
Magic Johnson’s bold Heat take after Giannis Antetokounmpo trade draws skepticism
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns gets praise from his NBA inspiration, Magic Johnson, after championship win: "You dominated"
Magic Johnson has clear opinion of former Laker Josh Hart after Knicks’ championship
Magic Johnson recalled the moment when he told his wife that he had a son with another woman: "I'm gonna take care of my son"
Magic Johnson Changed Basketball and Sports Marketing Forever — His Legacy Still Shapes the Game Today
Magic Johnson Built Generational Wealth Through Ownership, Partnerships, and Community Investment
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Will Bring the Magic to the Renaissance Era during May 9 Commencement Ceremony
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson brings 10,000-megawatt smile and inspiration to UIC Chair Chats
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