Magic Johnson

Date of Birth: August 14, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is an American former professional basketball player and one of the most celebrated athletes of all time. Johnson’s career spanned 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played the point guard position. Known for his incredible passing ability and leadership, Johnson led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the Showtime era in the 1980s. Johnson was a standout college player at Michigan State University, where he led the Spartans to an NCAA championship in 1979. He was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers. Over his career, Johnson was a 12-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA MVP, and was named to the All-NBA First Team nine times. In 1991, Johnson shocked the world by announcing that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately. Despite his diagnosis, he became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment. Johnson made several returns to basketball, including a stint as a coach and a brief comeback as a player. Off the court, Johnson has been a successful entrepreneur, launching Magic Johnson Enterprises, which has investments in various sectors, including real estate, movie theaters, and sports teams. He is also a prominent philanthropist, focusing on educational and health-related causes.

5 Interesting Facts about Magic Johnson

1. Magic Johnson was the first rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award in 1980.

2. He is one of the few basketball players to have won an NCAA championship and an NBA championship in consecutive years.

3. Johnson has been a part-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

4. He is a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, once as a player and once as a member of the “Dream Team.”

5. Magic Johnson Enterprises is valued at over $1 billion, making him one of the richest former athletes in the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Magic Johnson

1. “All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.”

2. “You’re the only one who can make the difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it.”

3. “Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.”

4. “If you’re a competitive person, that stays with you. You don’t stop. You always look over your shoulder.”

5. “I’m a big believer in dreaming. If you don’t dream it, you can’t become it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Magic Johnson’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $600 million.

Children

Magic Johnson has three children: 1. Andre Johnson, born in 1981, from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell. 2. Earvin “EJ” Johnson III, born in 1992, with his wife Cookie Johnson. 3. Elisa Johnson, adopted in 1995, with his wife Cookie Johnson.