Magic johnson movie

Legends profile: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson’s dynamic talents as a point guard led him to NBA titles, MVPs and more.

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Few athletes are truly unique, changing the way their sport is played with their singular skills. Earvin “Magic” Johnson was one of them.

Just how great a basketball player was Johnson? So great, perhaps, that future generations of hoop fans may wish they had entered the world years earlier — just so they could have seen Magic play in person instead of watching him only on highlight reels.

He was what Bob Cousy was to the 1950s, what Oscar Robertson was to the 1960s, what Julius Erving was to the 1970s.

Still, Earvin Johnson was even more than a revolutionary player, who, at 6-foot-9, was the tallest point guard in NBA history when he entered the league. His sublime talent elicited wonder and admiration from even the most casual basketball fan.

Whether it was a behind-the-back pass to a streaking James Worthy, a half-court swish at the buzzer or a smile that illuminated an arena,

Magic Johnson

(1959-)

Who Is Magic Johnson?

Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991 after revealing that he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, though he later returned in 1996 for one final season.

Johnson has since built up a business empire, which includes real estate holdings, Starbucks franchises, movie theaters and shares of professional sports teams. He is also a published author.

Early Life

Johnson was born Earvin Johnson Jr. on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. From a large family, Johnson grew up with nine brothers and sisters.

Both of his parents worked—his father for the General Motors plant in town and his mother as a school custodian. He had a passion for basketball and would start practicing as early as 7:30 a.m.

At Everett High School, Johnson earned his famous nickname, "Magic," after a sportswriter witnessed him compile 36 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists in a single game.

College Career

Johnson continued to

Magic Johnson

American basketball player and entrepreneur (born 1959)

For other uses, see Magic Johnson (disambiguation).

"Earvin Johnson" redirects here. For the NBA center, see Ervin Johnson.

Johnson in 2022

Born (1959-08-14) August 14, 1959 (age 65)
Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
Listed weight220 lb (100 kg)[1]
High schoolEverett (Lansing, Michigan)
CollegeMichigan State (1977–1979)
NBA draft1979: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
Playing career1979–1991, 1996, 1999–2000
PositionPoint guard
Number32
1979–1991, 1996Los Angeles Lakers
1999–2000Magic M7 Borås
2000Magic Great Danes
1994Los Angeles Lakers