Magic Johnson is a legendary American former professional basketball player who played as a point guard for the National Basketball Association team Los Angeles Lakers. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he is especially remembered for redefining the point guard position with his exceptional court vision, passing ability, and leadership.

Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, United States. His real name is Earvin Johnson Jr. He grew up in a large family with nine siblings, and his childhood was marked by financial hardship. His father worked at a General Motors factory, while his mother was employed as a school librarian. Despite these challenges, Earvin remained cheerful, constantly smiling, and deeply passionate about basketball.

Standing 2.06 meters tall, Magic Johnson began his basketball journey at Everett High School. During his senior year, he attracted national attention by averaging an impressive 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. At the age of 15, he delivered a remarkable performance of 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists in a single game. After witnessing this extraordinary display, sportswriter Fred Stabley from the Lansing State Journal gave him the nickname “Magic.” From that moment on, Earvin—previously known as “June Bug–Cicada”—became known to the world as Magic Johnson.

After high school, Magic Johnson continued his education and basketball career at Michigan State University. In the 1978–1979 season, he led Michigan State to the NCAA Championship. During his freshman season, he averaged 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, helping his team win the Big Ten Championship. In his sophomore year, he reached legendary status by leading Michigan State to victory in the NCAA Finals against Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, winning 75–64. This game became the most-watched NCAA match in history and marked the beginning of the iconic Magic–Bird rivalry that would later define an era in the NBA.

Following his collegiate success, Magic Johnson was selected as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. During his professional career, he achieved numerous championships and individual honors, including three NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards—one of which came during his rookie season.

From 1980 onward, Magic Johnson won five NBA Championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. On November 8, 1991, he announced that he was HIV-positive and immediately retired from professional basketball. In 1992, he made a celebrated return to participate in the NBA All-Star Game, where he was named All-Star MVP. Due to protests from fellow players, he retired once again shortly afterward.

In 1994, Magic Johnson briefly served as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers for 16 games. He later returned as a player in 1996, appearing in 32 games before retiring for the final time. Over his entire 13-year NBA career, he played exclusively for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships. His iconic number 32 jersey was retired by the franchise.

Beyond the NBA, Magic Johnson was involved in exhibition basketball, forming teams and purchasing franchises. With his Magic All-Stars exhibition team, he played a showcase game in Turkey against Ülkerspor, recording an outstanding performance of 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 19 assists. He is also a part-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and a large bronze statue in his honor stands at Staples Center.

In 1996, Magic Johnson was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 2002, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2007, ESPN named him the greatest point guard in NBA history.

After retiring from basketball, Magic Johnson became an active advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, promoting safe sex education and participating in numerous charitable initiatives.

Magic Johnson married Earlitha Kelly in 1991. He has three children: Andre Johnson (born 1981), Earvin III Johnson (born 1992), and Elisa Johnson (born 1995).

His longtime rival and close friend Larry Bird once described him by saying: “I can definitely say he is the best player I have ever seen. He was always above everyone else, and he will always stay there.”

Source: Biyografiler.com