Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Born
Aug. 14, 1959
in Lansing, MI
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, one of the greatest basketball players in history, is today a prominent business and civic leader in Los Angeles. His Beverly Hills-based Magic Johnson Enterprises operates AMC Magic Johnson Theatres, more than 100 Starbucks Coffee outlets in the U.S., more than three dozen Burger King restaurants in the Southeast and more than a dozen 24-Hour Fitness/Magic Johnson Sport health clubs. Many of these ventures were developed in long-ignored urban neighborhoods. He also has a company involved in lending money to mid-size businesses. And he owns a nearly 5% share of the Lakers. He earned his nickname during a standout high-school career at Everett High School in East Lansing, Mich. Heavily recruited by the nation's college basketball superpowers, Johnson instead chose Michigan State so he could play close to home. The Spartans won the NCAA championship in Johnson's second year in what was then the most-watched college basketball game in history, a 75-69 win over Indiana State, led by archrival Larry Bird. The two would become formidable foes, and fast friends, in the NBA. Johnson turned pro after his sophomore season, becoming the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft. In his rookie season, he led the Lakers to the NBA championship, playing all five positions in beating the Julius Erving-led Philadelphia 76ers in six games. Johnson was the captain and charismatic leader of the Lakers' high-scoring, fast-paced offense in the 1980s known as Showtime. Three times that decade Johnson and the Lakers faced Bird and the Celtics in the NBA finals, beating them twice. In 1991, in an emotional televised news conference that shocked the world, Johnson acknowledged that he had contracted the HIV virus and was retiring immediately from basketball. He married his longtime girlfriend, launched his business career, and today is healthy, the virus largely dormant inside him. Johnson finished his storied NBA career with five championships in nine tries; three most valuable player awards; 12 All Star game appearances; 17,707 points; 6,559 rebounds; and 10,141 assists, a franchise record. He was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, and in 1992 won a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team at the Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2002.
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One thought about Earvin “Magic” Johnson
No! I never met Mr. Johnson. However if at all possible I would love to in this lifetime! I am 65! As a fan of Mr. Johnson, I personally believe that every award, medal, diploma, certificate , even honorable mention in anything including any form of well deserved accolades that was ever dispersed on his behalf from any and everyone was quite applicable, pertinent and valid. I do appreciate each inspirational gesture that has been made to recognize and remind Mr. Johnson of his purpose on this earth including his contribution to society! I am very proud of his timely successful "Walk of Fame" star on the Hollywood oomph! This must be applauded! Deserved "Flowers" are fine when they can be seen, smelt and held! Ride on my friend! May God continue to keep Mr. Johnson, Blessed and Highly Favored as he continues to be the special unique and humble man he is and the role model so many admire! I anticipate a response. Thank you!
Mr. Johnson mentioned on the Monique show he is not difficult to reach and to serve!
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