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Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player. Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, and began his basketball career shooting hoops with his classmates at Main Street School. Johnson went on to play basketball at Everett High School, where he was first dubbed Magic at 15 after recording a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. Johnson then played two seasons collegiately at Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the NCAA championship in 1979. Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and led the team to five NBA championships during their 'Showtime' era. Johnson is considered one of the greatest point guards of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
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Magic Johnson's high school basketball career
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. Johnson received the nickname "Magic" from Lansing sportswriter Fred Stabley Jr. after a 36-point, 18-rebound, and 16-assist performance for Everett High School, which he led to a state championship in 1977. Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" at 15, when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists as a sophomore at Everett.
Johnson, who finished his high school career with two All-State selections, was considered the best high school player ever to come out of Michigan. He was also named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team, which played in the 1977 Capital Classic. Johnson was an intense competitor who led his high school team to a 27–1 win–loss record in his final season, averaging 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. He took his team to an overtime victory in the state championship game, which he dedicated to his best friend, Reggie Chastine, who had died in a car accident the previous summer.
Johnson did not initially aspire to play professionally, instead focusing on his communication studies major and desire to work in television. Despite this, he was recruited by several top-ranked colleges, including Indiana and UCLA. He ultimately decided to attend Michigan State, where he could play the point guard position and where the talent already on the roster also drew him to the program. Johnson led Michigan State to the Big Ten title as a freshman and the NCAA championship as a sophomore, earning MVP accolades of the 1979 Final Four as MSU defeated Indiana State and Larry Bird in the title game.
After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he would spend his entire career. Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships during their "Showtime" era. Johnson was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
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Magic Johnson's college basketball career
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player, widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA his entire career, leading the team to five NBA championships during their "Showtime" era.
Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, and received the nickname "Magic" at 15, following a 36-point, 18-rebound, 16-assist performance for Everett High School. He led the team to a state championship in 1977 and was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team. Johnson was also considered the best high school player ever to come out of Michigan.
Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he played for two seasons. He led the Spartans to the Big Ten title as a freshman and to the NCAA championship as a sophomore in 1979. Johnson earned MVP accolades of the 1979 Final Four, as MSU defeated Indiana State and Larry Bird in the title game. Johnson is one of only four players to capture NCAA and NBA championships in back-to-back seasons.
Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers and made his NBA debut in the 1979-80 season. In his rookie season, Johnson played all five positions to secure the Lakers' championship, becoming the first rookie to win the NBA finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) and nine appearances in the NBA Finals.
Johnson's illustrious playing career consisted of hundreds of highlights, including his famous "no-look" and "bounce" passes, as well as his ability to make big plays in crucial moments. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
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Magic Johnson's career with the Los Angeles Lakers
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. Johnson, often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, spent his entire 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Johnson received the nickname "Magic" from Lansing sportswriter Fred Stabley, Jr. following a 36-point, 18-rebound, 16-assist performance for Everett High School, which he led to a state championship in 1977.
Johnson's illustrious playing career is filled with hundreds of highlights. He was the guiding force behind championship-winning teams at every level, including high school, college, and the professional ranks, in addition to capturing the Olympic Gold Medal. Johnson led the Michigan State Spartans to the NCAA championship in 1979 and was subsequently selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers. In his rookie season, Johnson helped the Lakers win the NBA championship in 1980, becoming the first and only rookie to win MVP honours in the Finals. Johnson's brilliant 42-point, 15-rebound, 7-assist performance in the absence of injured centre Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the title-clinching game remains one of the greatest feats by a first-year player in league history.
During the "Showtime" era, Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) and nine appearances in the NBA Finals. The Lakers averaged 59 wins per season during the Magic Era, posting a combined .710 winning percentage in regular-season and playoff competition. Johnson was a key member of the Lakers' famous "Showtime" offense, known for his passing skills and flair for the dramatic. In the 1984–85 regular season, Johnson averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game, and in the 1985–86 NBA season, he averaged a double-double with 18.8 points, 12.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. Johnson also led the Lakers to victory in the 1987 NBA Finals, where they faced their rivals, the Boston Celtics, for the third time. Johnson averaged 26.2 points, 13.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.33 steals per game in the championship series, earning his third Finals MVP title.
Johnson initially retired from the NBA in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. Johnson then retired for the second time in 1996, ending his career ranked among the Lakers' all-time leaders in various statistical categories. Johnson returned once more in 1996, at 36 years old, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. Johnson has since remained involved with the Lakers, serving as a part-owner and the president of basketball operations in the late 2010s.
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Magic Johnson's Olympic career
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, began his basketball career at Everett High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 1977. Johnson was then recruited by several top-ranked colleges and ultimately decided to attend Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the Big Ten title as a freshman and the NCAA championship as a sophomore in 1979.
Following his successful college career, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he remained for his entire professional career. Johnson's illustrious career with the Lakers included five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) and nine appearances in the NBA Finals.
During his time in the NBA, Johnson also represented the United States in international competition. In 1992, Johnson was a member of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as "The Dream Team". This team competed in the Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics and won the Olympic gold medal. Johnson's achievement of winning an Olympic gold medal, in addition to his NCAA and NBA championships, made him one of only eight players in the history of basketball to achieve the Triple Crown.
Johnson's selection to the Dream Team came shortly after his initial retirement from the NBA in 1991 due to his HIV diagnosis. Despite some opposition from teammates and other players, Johnson returned to the court for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, where he was named MVP, before competing in the Olympics and claiming the gold medal.
After his Olympic success, Johnson retired from basketball again in 1996, ending his career as one of the Lakers' all-time leaders in various statistical categories. Johnson's impact extended beyond his playing career, as he went on to achieve success in business ventures, broadcasting, and as an executive with the Lakers and other sports franchises.
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Magic Johnson's retirement and post-retirement career
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979. Johnson's illustrious 13-year career saw him lead the Lakers to five NBA championships during their "'Showtime' era. Johnson abruptly retired in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award.
Following his initial retirement, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a team that travelled the world playing exhibition games. He also became a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as "The Dream Team", winning the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson was the co-captain of the team, which became one of the eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. Johnson also became an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, writing a book on the latter topic.
Johnson attempted a return to the NBA for the 1992–93 season but faced opposition from other players, prompting him to retire again. During this period, he became the head coach of the Lakers for 16 games in the 1994 season and purchased a 5% stake in the team. In 1996, Johnson returned to the Lakers as a player, playing 32 regular-season games and four playoff games before retiring for the third and final time at the age of 36.
Since his final retirement from basketball, Johnson has pursued a variety of business ventures. In 2004, he sold the Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment. Two years later, he created a contract food service with Sodexo USA, called Sodexo-Magic. Johnson also launched a cable TV network called Aspire in 2012, featuring programming targeted at black audiences. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavours, Johnson has worked as a broadcaster and toured with a basketball team of former college and NBA players to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
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Frequently asked questions
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. started playing basketball in high school at Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan.
Yes, he played two seasons of college basketball at Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to the Big Ten title as a freshman and to the NCAA championship as a sophomore.
Johnson started playing in the NBA in 1979, after being selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Johnson initially retired from the NBA in 1991 after announcing that he was HIV-positive. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and the 1992 Olympic Games, before retiring again in 1996. He made a brief return in 1996 and retired for the final time after playing 32 games for the Lakers.
After retiring from the NBA, Johnson became a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He has also been a prominent HIV/AIDS activist and has worked as a commentator for NBC.
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