Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player and the current president of the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Lakers (NBA).
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time and one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history.
Similarly, his career accomplishments include three NBA MVP Awards, nine appearances in the NBA Finals, twelve All-Star games, and ten All-NBA First and Second Team nominations.
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With so much going on and so much to look forward to, how did he end his basketball career abruptly?
Net Worth of Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the owner of a conglomerate and is involved in a variety of business ventures.
MAGIC JOHNSON’S NET WORTH IS APPROXIMATELY $600 MILLION AS OF 2020, MAKING HIM ONE OF THE WORLD’S RICHEST ATHLETES.
Where in the world is Magic Johnson from?
Magic was born on 14 August 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, United States. He is the son of Earvin Sr., a GM assembly line worker, and Christine Johnson, a school janitor. He has six full siblings and three half-siblings, none of whom have been identified.
His parents worked long hours to support their children; this is said to have influenced Magic’s work ethic. He also comes from an athletic family, as both of his parents were high school basketball players. Magic is an American citizen of African American ancestry. He is a Christian.
When it came time to transfer to a high school, Magic desired to attend Sexton High School but was assigned to Everett High School, which was predominantly white. As a result, he was subjected to numerous instances of racism. He cites these passages in his autobiography, My Life:
“AS I REFLECT ON IT TODAY, I SEE THE ENTIRE PICTURE IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT. IT IS TRUE THAT I REGRET MISSING SEXTON. I WAS MISERABLE AT EVERETT AFTER A FEW MONTHS. BUT BEING COMMUNICATED WITH EVERETT WAS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME. IT PUSHED ME OUT OF MY SMALL WORLD AND TEACHED ME HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHITE PEOPLE, HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEM.”
Magic earned the nickname as a 15-year-old sophomore after registering a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists while competing for Everett High School.
Numerous top-ranked colleges recruited him, but he chose to stay local. He chose Michigan State University because he was capable of playing the point guard position. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Magic is 61 years old, and his zodiac sign is Leo, as he was born on 14 August. And from what we know, people born under this sign are known for their ability, focus, and goal-oriented nature, among other characteristics.
Additionally, Magic stands 6 feet 9 inches (206 cm) tall (the league’s tallest point guard) and weighs approximately 220 pounds (or 100 kg). His brown eyes contrast beautifully with his smooth skin, not to mention his muscular physique.
Magic has accomplished a great deal during his thirteen years as a professional basketball player. Here is a detailed look at his career.
Career in High School
He led Everett to a 27-1 record in his senior high school season, averaging 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. In the state championship game, he led his team to an overtime victory.
He was named to two All-State teams, was named the best high school player in Michigan history, and was a member of the 1977 McDonald’s All-American team.
What college did magic johnson attend?
Career in College
Magic averaged 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game during his freshman season. He led the Spartans (Michigan State basketball team) to a 25-5 record, the Big Ten Conference championship, and an NCAA Tournament berth in 1978.
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During his sophomore season, the Spartans defeated Indiana State 75-64 (led by future Boston Celtics star Larry Bird), and he was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. He averaged 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game during his college career.
Lakers de Los Angeles
Season of the Rookie
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Magic Johnson first overall in the 1979 NBA draft. He averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in his rookie season, was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and started the NBA All-Star Game.
He was the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award and became one of four players in NBA history to win both the NCAA and NBA championships in the same season.
Between 1980 and 1982
He suffered a torn cartilage in his left knee early in the 1980-1981 season and was forced to miss 45 games. Johnson averaged 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and a league-high 2.7 steals per game this season, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.
He averaged 16.2 points on.533 shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game in the championship series against the Sixers.
During the 1982–83 NBA season, he averaged 16.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game and earned his first All-NBA First Team nomination. That season, the Lakers lost to the Sixers, and he averaged 19.0 points on.403 shooting, 12.5 assists, and 7.8 rebounds.
From 1983 to 1987
In his fifth season with the Magic, he averaged a double-double of 17.6 points and 13.1 assists per game, along with 7.3 rebounds. During the NBA finals, he averaged 18.0 points on.560 shooting, 13.6 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Here, the Lakers advanced to the Finals for the third consecutive season but were defeated by the Boston Celtics. Johnson averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game in 1984-85, leading the Lakers to the 1985 NBA Finals, where they faced the Celtics once again.
The Lakers won this time, and Magic averaged 18.3 points on.494 shooting, 14.0 assists, and 6.8 rebounds in the championship series.
Johnson set a career high with 23.9 points, 12.2 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game the following season, and won his first regular-season MVP award. The Lakers faced the Celtics in the NBA Finals for the third time. The Lakers prevailed 107-106.
From 1987 to 1991
Magic Johnson averaged 21.1 points on.550 shooting, 13.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Lakers in 1988, his fifth and final NBA championship.
He averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game in 1989-90. He averaged 18.6 points on.431 shooting, 12.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game during his career’s final championship series in 1991.
Team of Dreams
Magic was chosen to compete for the United States basketball team in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, alongside Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird. This team earned the moniker “Dream Team.” With an 8-0 record, the team won the gold medal. Magic averaged 8.0 points per game and 5.5 assists per game, which was second on the team.
Following Basketball
Magic returned to the NBA as the Lakers’ coach near the end of the 1993-1994 NBA season. He has authored a book on safe sex, founded several businesses, and served as a commentator for NBC. He has served as a host for a number of charitable events.
Career status
Year
|
Team
|
GP
|
Min
|
Pts
|
FG%
|
3pt%
|
Reb
|
Ast
|
Stl
|
Blk
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1995
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
32
|
29.9
|
14.6
|
46.6
|
37.9
|
5.7
|
6.9
|
0.8
|
0.4
|
1990
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
79
|
37.1
|
19.4
|
47.7
|
32.0
|
7.0
|
12.5
|
1.3
|
0.2
|
1989
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
79
|
37.2
|
22.3
|
48.0
|
38.4
|
6.6
|
11.5
|
1.7
|
0.4
|
1988
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
77
|
37.5
|
22.5
|
50.9
|
31.4
|
7.9
|
12.8
|
1.8
|
0.3
|
1987
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
72
|
36.6
|
19.6
|
49.2
|
19.6
|
6.2
|
11.9
|
1.6
|
0.2
|
1986
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
80
|
36.3
|
23.9
|
52.2
|
20.5
|
6.3
|
12.2
|
1.7
|
0.4
|
1985
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
72
|
35.8
|
18.8
|
52.6
|
23.3
|
5.9
|
12.6
|
1.6
|
0.2
|
1984
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
77
|
36.1
|
18.3
|
56.1
|
18.9
|
6.2
|
12.6
|
1.5
|
0.3
|
1983
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
67
|
38.3
|
17.6
|
56.5
|
20.7
|
7.3
|
13.1
|
2.2
|
0.7
|
1982
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
79
|
36.8
|
16.8
|
54.8
|
0.0
|
8.6
|
10.5
|
2.2
|
0.6
|
1981
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
78
|
38.3
|
18.6
|
53.7
|
20.7
|
9.6
|
9.5
|
2.7
|
0.4
|
1980
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
37
|
37.1
|
21.6
|
53.2
|
17.6
|
8.6
|
8.6
|
3.4
|
0.7
|
1979
|
Los Angeles Lakers
|
77
|
36.3
|
18.0
|
53.0
|
22.6
|
7.7
|
7.3
|
2.4
|
0.5
|
Career
|
906
|
36.7
|
19.5
|
52.0
|
30.3
|
7.2
|
11.2
|
1.9
|
0.4
|
Magic Johnson has how many children?
Magic had a son, Andre Johnson, with his former partner Melissa Mitchell in 1981. Although Andre was raised by his mother, he remains close to his father and later worked as a marketing director for Magic Johnson Enterprises.
Magic married Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly in 1991. They have a son, Earvin III (EJ), born in 1992, and a daughter, Elisa, adopted in 1995. He currently resides in Beverly Hills and maintains a second residence in Dana Point, California.
Announcement on HIV
Magic was diagnosed with HIV prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. HE made the information public on 7 November 1991 and announced his impending retirement. Additionally, he stated that his wife Cookie and their unborn son (EJ) were HIV-negative.
Presence on Social Media
5 million followers on Twitter
2.5 million followers on Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Magic Johnson decide to call it quits?
Magic Johnson announced that he had been diagnosed with HIV and would immediately retire from the NBA.
Is Magic Johnson still the sole owner of Starbucks?
While Magic owned Starbucks locations, he returned the company’s 105 franchises in 2010.
How did magic Johnson become infected with HIV?
Johnson admitted that he contracted HIV as a result of his numerous sexual partners throughout his playing career.
Magic Johnson owns which businesses?
Magic Johnson is the proprietor of Magic Johnson Enterprises. His company is involved in the development of theatres, real estate, health clubs, and even a promotional marketing firm.
What is the value of a Magic Johnson card?
The Magic Johnson card is worth between $0.18 and $0.34.
How many championship rings does Magic Johnson own?
Magic Johnson was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning titles in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
Is Magic Johnson worth a billion dollars?
Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $600 million as of 2020.
Quick Facts
Full Name | Earvin Johnson Jr. |
Birth Date | 14 August 1959 |
Birth Place | Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Nick Name | Magic Johnson, Buck, E.J., the Deejay, Tragic |
Religion | Christianity |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African American |
Father’s Name | Earvin Johnson Sr. |
Mother’s Name | Christine Johnson |
Siblings | 6 siblings and 3 half-siblings |
Education | Everett High School; Michigan State University |
Age | 61 years old |
Height | 6 ft. 9 in. (or 206 cm) |
Weight | 220 pounds (or 100 kg) |
Body Build | Muscular |
Hair Colour | None |
Eye Colour | Brown |
Married | Yes |
Spouse | Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly |
Children | Andre Johnson (from the previous partner), Earvin III Johnson, Elisa Johnson (Adopted) |
Profession | Retired Basketball Player; Former Coach |
Position in team | Point Guard, Power Forward, and Shooting Guard |
Shoots | Right |
Jersey Number | #32 |
Affiliations | Los Angeles Lakers |
Net Worth | $630 million |
Social Media | Twitter: @MagicJohnsonInstagram: @magicjohnson |
Merch | Funko POP, Jersey |
Last Update | 2021 |