Magic Johnson Timeline

(1959 - Present)

Magic Johnson, born Earvin Johnson Jr. on August 14, 1959, is an American retired professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Playing his entire 13-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he won five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and became famous for his dazzling passing and rivalry with Larry Bird. After announcing in 1991 that he had contracted HIV, he became a prominent advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and later built a successful business career as an entrepreneur and investor. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Early Life and College

Born in Lansing, Michigan

Aug 14, 1959

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan, the sixth of seven children. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a love for basketball at an early age, earning the nickname 'Magic' after a high school game in which he recorded 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists.

Image source: Magic Johnson

Wins Michigan state title with Everett High School

Mar 1977

Johnson led Everett High School to the Michigan Class A state championship as a senior, capping an extraordinary prep career and cementing his reputation as one of the nation's top high school players.

Enrolls at Michigan State University

Sep 1977

Johnson chose to stay close to home and play for Michigan State rather than distant powers like Indiana or UCLA, a decision that would soon pay off spectacularly.

Leads Michigan State to NCAA championship over Indiana State

Mar 26, 1979

In one of the most-watched college basketball games ever, Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans defeated Larry Bird's undefeated Indiana State team, beginning the legendary Johnson-Bird rivalry that revitalized the NBA.

Image source: 1979 NCAA Division I basketball championship game

Lakers Dynasty

Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers

Jun 25, 1979

After declaring for the draft following his sophomore season, Johnson was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, launching what would become one of the most celebrated careers in NBA history.

Image source: 1979 NBA draft

Wins NBA championship and Finals MVP as a rookie

May 16, 1980

Playing center in place of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6, rookie Magic Johnson scored 42 points with 15 rebounds and 7 assists to win the title over the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the only rookie ever named NBA Finals MVP.

Image source: 1980 NBA Finals

Signs record $25 million contract with the Lakers

Jun 1981

Johnson signed a then-record 25-year, $25 million contract extension with the Lakers, reflecting his immense value to the franchise and making him one of the highest-paid athletes in sports.

Wins second NBA championship over Philadelphia 76ers

Jun 9, 1982

Johnson led the Lakers past Julius Erving's Philadelphia 76ers in six games, capturing the franchise's second title of the Showtime era.

Wins gold medal at 1984 Summer Olympics? No — leads Lakers to third title

Jun 12, 1985

After losing to Boston in 1984, Johnson redeemed himself by leading the Lakers to victory over the Celtics in six games, winning his third NBA championship and finally conquering their archrivals.

Image source: 1985 NBA Finals

Wins gold medal at 1984 Summer Olympics? No — leads Lakers to third title

Wins first regular-season MVP award

Jun 1987

Johnson earned his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award after averaging a career-high 23.9 points per game during the 1986–87 season.

Hits junior sky hook to beat Celtics in Boston Garden

Jun 9, 1987

In Game 4 of the Finals, Johnson sank his famous 'junior sky hook' over Robert Parish and Kevin McHale with seconds remaining to seal a dramatic road win, one of the signature moments of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.

Image source: 1987 NBA Finals

Wins fourth NBA championship against the Boston Celtics

Jun 14, 1987

Johnson averaged over 21 points per game in the Finals as the Lakers beat Boston in six games, winning his fourth ring and his first Finals MVP since his rookie year.

Wins fifth NBA championship over Detroit Pistons

Jun 21, 1988

The Lakers became the first team in nearly two decades to repeat as champions, beating Isiah Thomas' Detroit Pistons in seven grueling games, with James Worthy delivering a triple-double in Game 7.

Image source: 1988 NBA Finals

Wins back-to-back MVP awards (1989 and 1990)

Jun 1989 - Jun 1990

Johnson captured consecutive league MVP honors in 1989 and 1990, solidifying his status as the best player in basketball during the late 1980s.

Image source: NBA Most Valuable Player Award

Business Ventures

Founds Magic Johnson Enterprises

Jan 1987

Long before his retirement, Johnson founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, which grew into a billion-dollar conglomerate spanning movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, real estate, restaurants, and financial services aimed at underserved urban communities.

Opens AMC Magic Johnson Theatres in Los Angeles

Nov 1995

Partnering with Sony and later AMC, Johnson opened multiplex cinemas in historically underserved neighborhoods, bringing jobs and entertainment to communities like Baldwin Hills and Harlem.

Partners with Starbucks to open urban locations

Jan 1998

Through Urban Coffee Opportunities, Johnson co-owned dozens of Starbucks franchises in diverse urban areas, becoming one of the coffee giant's most successful partners before selling his stake in 2010.

Joins group purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers

Mar 27, 2012

Johnson joined Guggenheim Baseball Management's $2.15 billion purchase of the Dodgers, becoming a part-owner of his hometown baseball franchise and one of the most prominent Black owners in American sports.

Image source: Los Angeles Dodgers

Becomes part-owner of Los Angeles Sparks

Feb 2014

Johnson joined a group investing in the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, demonstrating his commitment to growing women's professional basketball.

HIV Announcement and Advocacy

Announces he has HIV and retires from basketball

Nov 7, 1991

At a stunning press conference, Johnson announced he had contracted HIV and would retire immediately. His announcement shattered misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, showing it could affect anyone and helping transform public awareness of the disease.

Image source: Magic Johnson

Launches the Magic Johnson Foundation

Dec 1991

Johnson established the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat HIV/AIDS through education, prevention, and research programs, later expanding its mission to address broader community needs including scholarships and urban development.

Post-Playing Career

Returns for 1992 All-Star Game and wins MVP

Feb 9, 1992

In an emotional comeback appearance, Johnson played in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, winning MVP honors after hitting a closing three-pointer over Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas.

Wins gold medal with the Dream Team at Barcelona Olympics

Aug 8, 1992

Despite having retired months earlier, Johnson joined Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and other superstars on the 'Dream Team,' which dominated the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona and globalized the sport of basketball.

Publishes memoir 'My Life'

Oct 1992

Johnson released his autobiography 'My Life,' co-written with William Novak, detailing his childhood, career, and life with HIV, which became a bestseller.

Image source: Who Moved My Cheese?

Briefly returns to coach the Lakers

Apr 1994 - May 1994

Johnson took over as interim head coach of the struggling Lakers for the final 16 games of the 1993–94 season, posting a 5–11 record before stepping down and returning to business pursuits.

Makes playing comeback with the Lakers in 1996

Jan 30, 1996 - May 1996

After four years away, Johnson returned mid-season to play forward for the Lakers alongside a young Kobe Bryant, averaging 14.6 points per game before retiring for good after a playoff loss to Houston.

Named among NBA's 50 Greatest Players

Oct 29, 1996

The NBA honored Johnson as one of the 50 greatest players in league history during its 50th anniversary celebration, a fitting tribute to his transformative impact on the game.

Image source: 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Sep 27, 2002

In his first year of eligibility, Johnson was enshrined in the Hall of Fame, recognized as one of the greatest point guards and winners in basketball history.

Image source: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Named president of basketball operations for the Lakers

Feb 21, 2017 - Apr 9, 2019

Johnson returned to the Lakers front office as president of basketball operations, overseeing moves including the signing of LeBron James, before abruptly resigning in April 2019.

Documentary series 'They Call Me Magic' premieres on Apple TV+

Apr 22, 2022

A four-part documentary chronicling Johnson's life, career, and HIV advocacy premiered on Apple TV+, offering an intimate look at his journey from Lansing to global icon. His enduring influence spans sports, business, and public health advocacy worldwide.

Image source: They Call Me Magic

Documentary series 'They Call Me Magic' premieres on Apple TV+

Key Facts

Magic Johnson won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) during a 13-year career.
He was named NBA Finals MVP as a rookie in 1980 after playing center in Game 6 in place of the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
In November 1991, he announced he had contracted HIV and retired from basketball, becoming one of the most visible advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness.
He famously won three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards (1987, 1989, 1990) and was a 12-time All-Star.
After retiring from basketball, he built a successful business empire through Magic Johnson Enterprises and became part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and other sports franchises.

Source

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