Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is an American retired professional basketball player, born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Johnson began his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and spent his entire career with the team, leading them to five NBA championships.

Johnson is known for his incredible vision, passing skills, and versatility as a 6'9" point guard. He has won numerous individual awards, including three Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, and holds multiple records, such as the highest assists per game average in NBA history.

Off the court, Johnson is also recognized for his business ventures and philanthropy, notably his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS after being diagnosed with the disease in 1991.

Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1991, 1996)

• Rookie season and immediate impact: Johnson was selected first overall by the Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he stepped in for injured center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals and recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to clinch the championship.
• Glory years and rivalry with Celtics: Throughout the 1980s, Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships, engaging in a fierce rivalry with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP award three times.
• Retirement and brief comeback: Johnson announced his retirement in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV. However, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP award. He also made a brief comeback during the 1995-1996 NBA season.

United States National Team

• 1984 Summer Olympics: Johnson represented the United States in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning the gold medal.
• 1992 Summer Olympics: Johnson was a member of the famous 'Dream Team' that won the gold medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

• Position: Primarily a point guard, but also played as a forward and center due to his height and versatility.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional passing, court vision, and leadership. Johnson is celebrated for his ability to control the pace of the game and make his teammates better.

• Family: Johnson is married to Earlitha 'Cookie' Kelly. They have one son and adopted a daughter.
• Philanthropy: Johnson is involved in various charitable activities, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He established the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat the disease and promote HIV/AIDS awareness.

• Magic Johnson is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his impact off the court. His announcement of his HIV-positive status and subsequent advocacy work brought attention to the disease and helped de-stigmatize its diagnosis. He also had a successful post-playing career as a businessman, becoming a prominent figure in various industries.

NBA Championships:

• 5 times (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)

NBA MVP Awards:

• 3 times (1987, 1989, 1990)

NBA All-Star Appearances:

• 12 times

NBA Finals MVP Awards:

• 3 times (1980, 1982, 1987)

Books

• Johnson, E., November, W. (1992) My Life. New York: Random House.
• Johnson, E., McCallum, J. (2009) When the Game Was Ours. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Websites

• NBA: Information about Magic Johnson’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nba.com
• Los Angeles Lakers: Details about Johnson’s career with the Lakers. Available at: https://www.nba.com/lakers

Articles

• ESPN: Magic Johnson’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/174/magic-johnson

Interviews and Documentaries

• Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals (2010): Directed by Ezra Edelman. This HBO documentary provides a detailed look at the rivalry and friendship between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.