Magic Johnson
“Showtime, a November afternoon in 1991, and three decades of proving the eulogy was early.”
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
- 1959Born in Lansing.
- 1980Rookie Finals, center for a night.
- 1991HIV. He retires in public.
- 1992Dream Team.
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