ADVERTISEMENT

Last Updated:
2024-04-06 00:37:54

Magic Johnson

Former NBA player and successful businessman.
Former NBA player and successful businessman.
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Jr. is a retired basketball player known for his court vision and leadership. He won multiple NBA championships and MVP awards, and is a successful entrepreneur and advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention.
1959-08-14
Birth of Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson was born in 1959 as one of seven children.
1971-04-17
Childhood of Magic Johnson
Events from Magic Johnson's childhood.
1973-08-25
Earvin Johnson Jr. attends Lansing Everett High School
Earvin Johnson Jr. started playing on the varsity basketball team at Lansing Everett High School from his freshman to senior year. He earned the nickname 'Magic' after an impressive performance in a game.
1974-11-29
High School Basketball
Magic Johnson attends Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan. He achieves a remarkable triple-double performance as a sophomore and leads his team to a state championship title in 1977.
1976-02-04
Decision Time for Magic Johnson
A significant decision-making moment for Magic Johnson in February 1976.
1977-03-15
Wins High School Class A Championship
Magic Johnson's high school team won the Class A Championship in basketball.
1977-08-30
Magic Johnson enrolls at Michigan State University
Magic Johnson began his college education at Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship.
1978
Magic Johnson's Freshman Year at Michigan State University
Magic Johnson decided to attend Michigan State University and made an immediate impact in his freshman year. He averaged 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, leading the Spartans to a 25-5 record, the Big Ten Championship, and a spot in the Elite Eight.
1979
Magic Johnson Drafted by Lakers
In 1979, the Lakers selected 6-foot-9 point guard Earvin 'Magic' Johnson from Michigan State using a first-round draft pick obtained from the Utah Jazz, marking the beginning of a successful era for the team.
1979-01-11
Time at Michigan State University
Magic Johnson's experiences during his time at Michigan State University in 1979.
1979-03-26
Magic Johnson leads team to National Championship
On March 26, 1979, Magic Johnson scored 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists to help his team defeat Larry Bird's Indiana State Sycamores 75-64 in the National Championship game. This marked the beginning of the legendary rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
1979-05-07
Magic Johnson leads team to 27-1 record and state championship victory
In his senior season at Michigan State University, Magic Johnson guided his team to an impressive 27-1 record and secured an overtime victory in the state championship game.
1979-06-25
Magic Johnson gets drafted
On June 25, 1979, Magic Johnson was drafted into the NBA, marking the start of his professional basketball career. This event was a significant milestone in Magic Johnson's journey to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
1979-10-12
Magic Johnson's NBA Debut
On October 12, 1979, Magic Johnson played his first NBA game for the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 26 points in the game, helping the Lakers secure a victory against the San Diego Clippers with a score of 103-102.
1980-05-16
Magic Johnson wins first NBA title
Magic Johnson led the LA Lakers to victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in game 6 of the NBA Finals, securing his first NBA championship. He scored 46 points and made all 14 free throws, earning the NBA Finals MVP award.
1980-11-11
NBA Rookie Season
Magic Johnson's rookie season in the NBA starting in November 1980.
1981-02-08
Birth of Magic Johnson's Son
Magic Johnson's son was born on February 8, 1981.
1981-02-24
The 1981 NBA Playoffs
Magic Johnson's involvement in the 1981 NBA Playoffs.
1982-02-18
1982 NBA Championship Series
Events surrounding the 1982 NBA Championship Series.
1983
Magic Johnson named to All-NBA First Team
In 1983, Magic Johnson was named to his first All-NBA First Team after averaging 16.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.5 assists. The Lakers reached the NBA Finals but were swept by the Sixers.
1984-06-12
Magic Johnson's Game 7 Performance in NBA Finals
Magic Johnson faced criticism for shooting poorly and committing crucial turnovers in Game 7 against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, leading to the Lakers' defeat.
1985-02-21
Magic Johnson's Performance in 1985 NBA Finals
During the 1985 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson showcased an impressive performance by averaging a double-double with 17.6 points, 13.1 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game.
1985-06-09
Magic Johnson's Triple-Double in NBA Finals Game 6
Magic Johnson recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, helping the Lakers secure their first championship win against the Celtics.
1986
Magic Johnson leads NBA in assists for the third time
In 1986, Magic Johnson led the NBA in assists for the third time, averaging 18.8 points and 12.6 assists, while the Lakers won 62 games. However, they were upset by the Rockets in the Western Conference Finals despite Magic's impressive postseason performance.
1987-06-10
Magic Johnson Wins First MVP
Magic Johnson won his first MVP award on June 10, 1987, after averaging 23.9 points, 12.2 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game.
1988-06
NBA Finals 1988
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, faced the Detroit Pistons in the 1988 NBA Finals. Despite a strong performance by Johnson, James Worthy's triple-double in Game 7 secured the championship for the Lakers.
1989
Magic Johnson wins his second Regular Season MVP award
In 1989, Magic Johnson won his second Regular Season MVP award after averaging 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds. The Lakers won 57 games and reached the NBA Finals.
1990
Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. obtained a large interest in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation
In 1990, Magic Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. acquired a significant stake in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling plant, establishing it as the largest minority-owned facility within the company.
1991-11-07
Magic Johnson Announces HIV Diagnosis
On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson publicly announced that he had contracted the HIV virus.
1992-02-09
Magic Johnson returns to NBA for All-Star Game
On February 9, 1992, Magic Johnson made a comeback to the NBA to play in the All-Star Game, showcasing his enduring talent and popularity among fans.
1992-02-16
Magic Johnson's Jersey Retirement
Magic Johnson's number 32 jersey was raised to the rafters by the Los Angeles Lakers in honor of his contributions to the team.
1992-03-17
Magic Johnson Diagnosed with HIV
In March 17, 1992, Magic Johnson was called back to Los Angeles after his blood work revealed that he was HIV positive. This shocking news meant that he had to retire from basketball and didn't play many games that season.
1992-07-14
1992 Summer Olympics
The USA dominated the 1992 Summer Olympics, winning the gold medal with ease. Despite Magic Johnson's limited playing time due to knee issues, he received standing ovations whenever he entered the game.
1994-06
Magic Johnson becomes part-owner of the Lakers
In June 1994, Magic Johnson fulfilled his dream of owning an NBA franchise by purchasing a share of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant milestone in his post-playing career.
1995-06-08
Magic Johnson in Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game
On June 8, 1995, Magic Johnson returned to the Breslin Center to play in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game. He led all scorers with 39 points.
1996-01-26
Magic Johnson returns to the Lakers as a player
On January 26, 1996, Magic Johnson officially returned to the Lakers as a player at 36 years old. He made an immediate impact with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists in his first game back. Despite his contributions, the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the playoffs.
1996-01-30
Magic Johnson returns to basketball
After retiring from basketball due to his HIV diagnosis, Magic Johnson makes a comeback to the sport in a game with the Los Angeles Lakers.
1996-02-14
Magic Johnson's Final Triple-Double
On February 14, 1996, Magic Johnson recorded the final triple-double of his career, scoring 15 points, along with 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a victory against the Atlanta Hawks.
1997
Magic Johnson Atlanta Movie Complex
In 1997, Magic Johnson opened another movie complex in Atlanta, Georgia.
1998
The Magic Hour
In 1998, Magic Johnson hosted a late-night talk show on the Fox network called The Magic Hour, but it was short-lived due to low ratings. Johnson's foray into television was part of his diverse business interests.
1999
Joining M7 Borås in Sweden
In 1999, Magic Johnson joined the Swedish team M7 Borås (now Borås Basket), where he remained undefeated in five games. Johnson also became a co-owner of the club, but the project faced challenges and the club underwent reconstruction. He later joined the Danish team The Great Danes.
2001-11
Memorable game against Michigan State
In November 2001, at the age of 42, Magic Johnson played a significant game with the Magic Johnson All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State. Despite a triple-double performance, his team lost to the Spartans in a sold-out arena, with Johnson missing a potential game-winning shot.
2002-07-09
Magic Johnson Inducted to NBA Hall of Fame
On July 9, 2002, Magic Johnson was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame alongside other basketball legends such as Larry Brown, Lute Olsen, Drazen Petrovic, and Kay Yow.
2002-11-01
Exhibition game against Michigan State
On November 1, 2002, Magic Johnson played a second exhibition game against Michigan State, this time with the Canberra Cannons of Australia's National Basketball League. His team emerged victorious with Johnson contributing 12 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.
2004-02-11
Magic Johnson's Statue Unveiling
A bronze statue of Magic Johnson was unveiled outside of Staples Center in Los Angeles as a tribute to his legacy in basketball.
2006
Induction into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
Magic Johnson was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 for his outstanding contributions to college basketball.
2008
Support for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign
Magic Johnson supported Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign.
2009
Induction into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame as a member of 'The Dream Team'
Magic Johnson was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of 'The Dream Team', honoring his achievements in Olympic basketball.
2010-10
Magic Johnson sold his ownership stake in the Lakers to Patrick Soon-Shiong
In October 2010, Magic Johnson divested his ownership interest in the Lakers to Patrick Soon-Shiong, a prominent Los Angeles surgeon and UCLA professor, for an undisclosed amount. However, he retained an honorary position as the team's vice president.
2011
Magic Johnson Inducted into California Hall of Fame
In 2011, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson was inducted into the California Hall of Fame for his achievements as an NBA superstar, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
2012-01
Magic Johnson joined Guggenheim Partners and Stan Kasten in a bid for ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers
In January 2012, Magic Johnson collaborated with Guggenheim Partners and Stan Kasten to pursue ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
2012-03
Magic Johnson's ownership group won the bid to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers
In March 2012, the consortium led by Magic Johnson emerged victorious in the acquisition of the Los Angeles Dodgers, paying a record $2 billion for the team.
2013
Jerry Buss' Death
Jerry Buss, the owner of the Lakers and a mentor to Magic Johnson, passed away in 2013 after battling cancer. Johnson considered Buss as a father figure and credited him for his success in business and sports.
2014
Magic Johnson and Peter Guber sold their stake in the Dayton Dragons
In 2014, Magic Johnson and Peter Guber divested their ownership interest in the Dayton Dragons, a minor league baseball team based in Ohio that achieved a remarkable sellout streak.
2015
Magic Johnson acquired a 'majority, controlling interest' in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
In 2015, Magic Johnson successfully completed the acquisition of a significant stake in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, a firm managing billions in financial products.
2016-08-22
Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign
Magic Johnson hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on August 22, 2016.
2017-02-21
Magic Johnson appointed as Lakers' president of basketball operations
On February 21, 2017, Magic Johnson took on the role of president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant return to the team in a leadership capacity.
2018-04
Magic Johnson steps down as Lakers' president of basketball operations
Before the end of the 2018-19 NBA season, Magic Johnson surprised the basketball world by resigning from his position as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, signaling a new chapter in his career.
2019-04-09
Resignation from the Los Angeles Lakers
In an unexpected move, Magic Johnson resigned from his position as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers on April 9, 2019, expressing his wish to return to his role as an NBA ambassador.
2021
Selected on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Magic Johnson was selected on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.
2022
Release of 'They Call Me Magic' docuseries
In 2022, a docuseries titled 'They Call Me Magic' about Magic Johnson's life and career was aired, providing insights into his journey and achievements.
2023
Achievement of Billionaire Status
According to Forbes, Magic Johnson became a billionaire in 2023.
End of the Timeline
Magic Johnson

Information

Magic Johnson

Former NBA player and successful businessman.
Last Updated:

Event

Last Updated: