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Top 20 Interesting Facts About Magic Johnson 

*Originally published by  Terryruth in March 2022 and Updated by Kenneth K in January 2024

American football ranks highest in terms of popular sports in the United States (US), seconded by Basketball.

The National Basketball Association  (NBA) happens to be the third most profit-making league in the sports fraternity in the U.S. and the world as well. This ranking comes after the National Football League and major league baseball.

There are basketball players who have been historic in the basketball scene over and over again over the years. One of them is Magic Johnson. His full name is Earvin 鈥淢agic鈥� Johnson Jr.

Despite being a retired American basketball player and now an entrepreneur with a net worth of  620 million dollars, Magic has great achievements.

Here are the top 10 facts about Magic Johnson

1. Magic Johnson’s love for basketball was influenced by his parents

Magic Johnson with local players during his tour with the 鈥淢agic Johnson All _Stars, a brainstorming team composed of former NBA and college players. Photo by Lucio Schiavi –

Magic Johnson was born on 14^th August 1959 and was schooled at Everett High School and Michigan State University. He was influenced by his parents who both loved basketball and grew up among his nine sisters and brothers.

The love for basketball began for Magic Johnson since his upbringing to his infamous rivalry between Larry Bird and himself, but above all, Magic Johnson has never disappointed.

2. Magic Johnson preferred to go by his nickname 

Magic Johson on a basketball court. Photo by Unknown author –

The name Magic is in quotes, which means that is a stage name that he was given as a legendary American professional who participated in the NBA for more than a decade.

Magic Johnson lived up to his stage name, rather than his nickname. His career life has revolved around him being a basketball player and an entrepreneur as well. As a basketball player, he dominated the basketball court as a point guard, shooting guard, and point guard.

He played enormously well in these positions while playing basketball while schooling at Everett High School, Michigan State University, and also in the NBA team.

3. Magic Johnson celebrated major wins during his active years of playing basketball

Magic Johnson in a basketball court. Photo by Steve Lipofsky – .

Magic Johnson most of the time played 190 playoff games and a remarkable 906 season held regularly, where he almost all the time was a great rebounder and a leading scorer.

Magic Johnson鈥檚 dynamic talents as a point guard led him to NBA titles, MVPs, and more.

According to a staff working with the NBA, 鈥淢agic Johnson amazed basketball fans with his court vision and swagger, all while leading the Lakers to new heights鈥�. Earvin Johnson, 鈥淢agic鈥� was beyond a revolutionary basketball player, when his height was 6 foot 9.

From NBA history, Magic has labelled the tallest point guard鈥檚 when he joined the NBA league.

4. More and more people enjoyed watching Magic Johnson on the Basketball Court

Magic Johnson on his visit to Argentina. Photo by Steve Lipofsky – .

All basketball fans not excluding the casual basketball fans were elated by seeing Magic Johnson play, through his sublime talent that elicited admiration and wonder. The amazement of basketball players, came from a lot of things Magic Johnson did while on the basketball court.

Some of these instances, included when there was a behind-the-back pass to a streaking James Worthy, his smile that illuminated the basketball arena, and the half-court swish that happened at the buzzer.

Every basketball fan that saw Magic Johnson play, carried with them an indelible memory of all the basketball games they witnessed him having participated in them.

5. Magic’s career lasted for a long time

Los Angeles Lakers League Basketball players in a Basketball court. Photo by Andre Hunter – .

Magic Johnson’s NBA basketball career lasted 13 years which he spent playing for the Los Angeles Lakers league. On top of that, he had membership in the five championship teams.

His basketball player achievements did not end at that as he was awarded the most valuable player award and won the finals MVP award three times in each one of them.

6. Magic Johnson continually amazed his fans

Basketball Players in action in a basketball court. Photo by Newfoundlandguy – .

Some other incredible things that Magic Johnson is remembered for are that he was a 12-time All-Star and a nine-time member of the all-NBA first basketball team. Magic Johnson surpassed Robertson鈥檚 basketball career assists record, which he later gave up to John Stockton.

At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Magic Johnson won himself a gold medal with his original Dream Team. Magic鈥檚 all-around play inspired the 鈥渢riple-double鈥� term addition to basketball鈥檚 lexicon.

This however was against what history demands as Robertson was the first man to be recognized as so and regularly post double figures in three statistical categories in the same game.

7. Magic Johnson had some traits that he would hardly let go

Basketball goal, multi-sport play area. Photo by JLPC – .

Magic Johnson did all of those amazing deeds in the basketball sport and while at it, maintained a childlike enthusiasm that was born of pure love of competition and sport. He remained happy to be playing basketball beyond all the fame, success, and money he had at hand.

Some of the aspects that dazzled his fans, was that he had brilliant passing skills. He also had overhand bullets under the basket through triple teams and spinning feeds, he also had a way of dumbfounding his opponents with no-look when he passed the fastbreak and he also pinpointed alley-oops from the basketball halfcourt.

8. The names pinned on Magic Johnson never stopped 

Magic Johnson spoke to the Press at the Merceded-Benz Carousel of Hope Gala in 2014. photo by Neon Tommy – .

Apart from Magic, Johnson had other nicknames such as EJ the Deejay, Buck, and Tragic. He is remembered in the basketball sports scene for having been awarded various career titles and awards.

This includes: 5 NBA championships, 12 All-Star games, All-Rookie first team, USA Olympic gold medal, All-NBA second team, All-NBA first team, assists leader, steals leader, season MVP, and Finals MVP.

9. Johnson Is Heavily Involved in Politics

Magic Johnson with Former President Barack Obama, viewing the trophy room at the home of Magic Johnson in Beverly Hills, 25th November 2013. Photo by Pete Souza – .

Though a legendary basketball champion rather than an active politician himself, Magic Johnson stays intimately connected with the political realm. He has publicly endorsed high-profile Democratic candidates like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and California Governor Phil Angelides over the years.

Johnson supported both of Hillary Clinton’s presidential bids, hosting a star-studded fundraiser event for her 2016 campaign. His willingness to support Los Angeles mayoral underdog Wendy Greuel in 2013 typifies Johnson’s eagerness to leverage his celebrity influence at local levels too.

10. Magic Johnson’s Nuclear family was comprised of a wife, two sons and a daughter

Magic Johnson is an intersection in New Orleans. Photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans- .

Magic Johnson has a son, Earvin III, who was born shortly after 1992. He has also adopted a daughter, Elisa in 1995 with his wife Cookie. They have another son, Andre from a previous relationship. Magic Johnson is currently 61 years of age.

11. Johnson鈥檚 Announcement of His HIV Status Ignited Controversy

The world held its breath on November 7, 1991, as basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, at the peak of his career, announced his HIV-positive status in a bombshell press conference.

This unprecedented announcement by a major sports figure, prompted by pre-season medical tests, sent shockwaves through the nation and beyond.

The news splashed across every headline and ignited a firestorm of controversy. The stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS at the time was rampant, fueled by misinformation and fear.

Sports, normally an oasis of escapism, was suddenly thrust into the center of a complex health crisis. Questions swirled about the safety of contact sports, the fairness of playing alongside an HIV-positive individual, and the future of Magic’s career.

12. Magic Johnson Confessed He Contracted The Disease From His ‘Numerous Sexual Partners’

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The initial haze surrounding Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement was thick with misinformation and rampant speculation. Back then, a dangerous misconception painted HIV as solely a “gay disease,” leaving heterosexuals feeling immune.

This, unfortunately, sparked whispers and hurtful rumors about Magic’s sexuality, casting him as either gay or bisexual.

However, Johnson later addressed these assumptions head-on, shattering the silence. While he initially declared his own confusion about how he contracted the virus, he eventually shed light on the reality: it stemmed from his “wild bachelor days” as a young basketball star, a time marked by “harems of women,” as he himself admitted.

This open acknowledgment, though deeply personal, dealt a blow to the myth of heteronormative safety, forcing a broader conversation about the virus’s reach and the need for responsible sexual practices.

13. Players and Media Openly Criticized Johnson for Continuing His Playing Career Claiming He Was a “Health Risk”

Magic’s announcement may have sparked empathy, but it also ignited fear. Despite his desire to continue playing, a wave of criticism crashed against him. Players like Byron Scott and Karl Malone voiced concerns, painting him as a “health risk” on the court.

A.C. Green bluntly declared he wouldn’t share the court with Magic if he bled. These harsh pronouncements reflected the pervasive fear and misinformation surrounding HIV at the time.

Many clung to the erroneous belief that the virus could be transmitted through casual contact, leading them to view Magic as a ticking time bomb, ready to endanger his teammates and opponents.

14. After Retirement, Johnson Returned to The Lakers as A Coach

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Retirement couldn’t keep Magic off the court for long. Lured by the siren song of the Lakers and owner Jerry Buss’s pleas, Johnson donned the coaching gear just months after announcing he was hanging up his sneakers. “It’s always been there,” he admitted, referring to the coaching itch.

His return was electric. The first six games crackled with the Showtime spirit, Johnson leading the Lakers to a 5-1 record. Fans roared, memories of no-look passes and skyhook magic rekindled. But the fairytale soon faded.

The “Laker Luxury” wore thin as injuries and inconsistencies plagued the team. A brutal ten-game losing streak culminated in Johnson’s resignation, leaving a bittersweet legacy: a glimpse of what could have been, but a stark reminder that not all legends make coaching gold.

15. After Resigning as Coach, Magic Reignited His Playing Career

Magic Johnson’s foray into coaching took a nosedive, leaving him yearning for something familiar. On January 29, 1996, he laced up his iconic Converse once more, stepping onto the hardwood against the Golden State Warriors the following day.

His second stint as a Laker lasted a season and a half. While age had inevitably chipped away at his physical explosiveness, his basketball IQ remained razor-sharp. He orchestrated plays with the grace of a seasoned conductor, his no-look passes still leaving defenders bewildered.

The fans roared with every dazzling assist, every timely bucket, savoring the chance to witness their hero recapture a stolen melody.

16. ‘Magic’ Played Professionally in Sweden and Denmark

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While Magic Johnson dazzled fans of the NBA for 13 seasons solely with the Los Angeles Lakers, his basketball journey extended beyond the borders of the NBA.

After retiring for the second time, his passion for the game took him on an unexpected Scandinavian adventure. In 1999, he ventured across the Atlantic, not just as a co-owner, but also as a player for M7 Bor氓s, a Swedish team.

Though his stint was brief, with only five undefeated games, it marked a unique chapter in his career. His magic touch then graced Denmark, where he played for The Great Danes, adding another international feather to his cap.

Though his Scandinavian sojourn couldn’t replicate the fanfare of his Laker days, it showcased his enduring love for the game and his willingness to push boundaries, both on and off the court.

17. He Holds the Record For The Highest Assist Average In NBA History

Magic Johnson wasn’t just about scoring buckets. He was a maestro of the assist, a puppet master weaving his teammates into scoring opportunities with a flick of his wrist.

Passing, not scoring, was the true engine of his greatness. His court vision was unparalleled, allowing him to see plays unfold before they even happened, leaving defenders scrambling in his wake.

This dedication to facilitating the offense paid off handsomely. To date, Johnson holds the NBA record for the highest career assist average, with a staggering 11.2 assists per game.

He also boasts the record for most assists in a playoff game, tied with John Stockton (24 in the 1982 Finals).

18. Johnson Is One of The Most Decorated Basketball Players of All Time

, , via Wikimedia Commons

While raw talent is what gets you noticed, it’s the mountain of trophies and accolades that vaults a player into the realm of legend. And by that measure, Magic Johnson sits comfortably on a throne of his own.

His reign with the Los Angeles Lakers is a glittering testament to his dominance. Five NBA championships, a testament to his leadership and clutch performance on the biggest stage.

He graced the All-Star game a staggering twelve times, his infectious smile and dazzling play electrifying the crowds year after year.

However, Johnson’s legend extends far beyond team achievements. Three times he was anointed Most Valuable Player, the league’s highest individual honor. His impact on the game is etched in bronze outside the Staples Center, where a statue immortalizes his legendary no-look pass.

Of course, no discussion of basketball’s pantheon is complete without the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where Magic rightfully took his place in 2009.

19. 鈥楳agic鈥� Is A Renowned HIV Activist

After making his HIV diagnosis public in 1991, Magic Johnson claimed that he would dedicate his life to “battle this deadly disease”. He has kept this promise on both a personal level and in public as well.

In 2011, he revealed that it was AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser, who convinced him to go public with his diagnosis and 鈥渂ecome the face of the disease and really go out and help people and educate people about it”. Elizabeth passed away in 1994 due to AIDS. 

During his playing years and after, Johnson has used his platform, celebrity, and infectious optimism to educate, dispel myths, and advocate for compassion. He founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, spearheading prevention campaigns and providing care to marginalized communities disproportionately affected by HIV.

Magic’s activism transcended words. He challenged discriminatory policies, battled insurance companies denying coverage, and humanized the faces of a disease often shrouded in fear.

His tireless efforts helped bridge the gap between the medical community and affected individuals, fostering understanding and pushing for accessible treatment.

20. Johnson Has Taken Many Career Paths After the End of His Playing Career

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

After hanging up his iconic Lakers jersey, Magic Johnson’s life became a masterclass in reinvention. His entrepreneurial spirit blossomed, transforming him from a basketball superstar to a multifaceted mogul.

Owning stakes in diverse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles FC, and even the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, he cemented his status as a sports world power player.

However, Magic’s ambitions weren’t confined to the sidelines. He ventured into publishing, penning motivational books, including one on safe sex, and sharing his life lessons.

Johnson has also worked as a commentator for NBC. From 2017 to 2019, he was the president of operations for the LA Lakers.

After resigning from the role in 2019, he became an NBA ambassador, a role he had served earlier.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s story transcends the hardwood. He is a titan, not just of basketball, but of resilience, adaptability, and human connection. From captivating crowds with his no-look passes to battling HIV head-on, Magic has consistently broken barriers and defied expectations.