Magic Johnson
As a 20-year-old rookie, Johnson started at center in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals and scored 42 points to clinch the title, instantly becoming a star. His showtime style and rivalry with Larry Bird revitalized the NBA. He led the Lakers to five championships in the 1980s.
Showtime Begins
At 6-foot-9, Johnson redefined the point guard position with his size and vision. His arrival in Los Angeles in 1979 launched the fast-paced 'Showtime' era that made the Lakers must-see entertainment.
The Bird Rivalry
Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird began in the 1979 NCAA championship and carried into the NBA. Their contrasting styles and East-vs-West battles are widely credited with saving and globalizing the league.
Advocate and Mogul
After revealing his HIV diagnosis in 1991, Johnson became a leading voice for awareness and research. He also built a vast business empire spanning theaters, restaurants, and sports ownership stakes.
Career Timeline
- 1979Wins NCAA title at Michigan State over Larry Bird
- 1979Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers
- 1980Wins Finals MVP as a rookie with a 42-point Game 6
- 1982Leads Lakers to second championship in three years
- 1987Wins regular-season MVP and another title
- 1991Announces HIV-positive status and retires
- 1992Plays in All-Star Game and Olympic Dream Team
- 1996Makes brief comeback with the Lakers
- 2002Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame
- 2017Becomes Lakers president of basketball operations
Biggest Hits
- He earned the nickname 'Magic' as a 15-year-old after a sportswriter saw him post a triple-double in high school.
- Johnson's 1991 HIV announcement reshaped public understanding of the disease and he remains healthy decades later.
Portrait: Neon Tommy · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons