Who Is Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, real name Earvin Johnson Jr., is a retired basketball player and former president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson, also known by his nickname “Magic,” played 13 seasons in the NBA, all of which were with the Lakers. He won five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and was named to 12 All-Star teams. He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But Magic Johnson’s legacy goes beyond his achievements on the court. He has also been a successful businessman and philanthropist, and he has used his fame to promote important causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
Earvin Johnson Jr. was given the nickname “Magic” by a sportswriter in high school, because of his seemingly magical ability to make things happen on the basketball court. The nickname stuck, and Johnson became known as Magic Johnson throughout his basketball career and beyond. He has said that he actually prefers to be called Earvin rather than Magic, but the Magic nickname is so well-known that it is hard to shake.
Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, which means he is currently 63 years old.He was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in a public housing project with his siblings and his parents, who were both hard-working and supportive.
Early Life
Magic Johnson’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. He was born to parents who were poor and struggled to make ends meet. His father, Earvin Sr., worked as a general laborer, and his mother, Christine, worked as a custodian. The family lived in a public housing project, and Johnson often went without basic necessities like food and clothing. Despite these difficulties, Johnson always had a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. His parents instilled in him a sense of responsibility and a love of basketball, and these things would shape his future in a big way.
Family Background
Magic Johnson’s parents, Earvin Sr. and Christine, were both born in the American South and moved to Michigan in search of a better life. Earvin Sr. was a sharecropper, and Christine worked as a domestic servant. They met and married in 1955, and they went on to have 10 children together. They were a close-knit family, and they all shared a love of basketball. This love of basketball would eventually lead to Magic Johnson’s rise to fame and fortune.
Magic Johnson’s parents were not just influential in his life because they were supportive of his basketball career. They also instilled in him important values like hard work, respect, and kindness. These values would guide him throughout his life, even when he was dealing with great challenges like the HIV diagnosis that threatened to end his basketball career. Johnson has said that his parents were the ones who taught him how to be a good person, and he has always tried to live up to their example.
Educational Background
Magic Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan. He was a good student, and he also excelled in basketball. He was named to the All-State team in his junior and senior years of high school, and he was recruited by a number of colleges. He eventually chose to attend Michigan State University, where he played for legendary coach Jud Heathcote. His time at Michigan State was a defining moment in his life, and it led to his later success in the NBA.
While at Michigan State, Magic Johnson was known for his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball. He was a team player, and he always put the team first. He was also known for his sense of humor and his easygoing personality. However, Johnson also had a serious side. He took his studies seriously, and he was known for being a well-rounded student. After graduation, he decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility to enter the NBA draft. This was a risky move, but it ultimately paid off.
Relationship
Throughout his life, Magic Johnson has been in a number of relationships. He has been married twice, and he has two children. He was first married to Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly in 1991, and they divorced in 2001. He then married his current wife, Melissa Mitchell, in 2010. He has one son with Cookie, and one son with Melissa. He has also had a number of high-profile relationships, including with actress Lisa Vanderpump and model Tyra Banks.
Career
Magic Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, and he immediately became one of the team’s most important players. In his rookie year, he helped the Lakers win the NBA championship. He went on to have a very successful career with the Lakers, winning five championships with the team. He also won numerous individual awards, including the NBA MVP award in 1987 and the NBA Finals MVP award three times. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA.
The career of Magic Johnson is not only impressive because of his accomplishments on the court. It is also impressive because of the challenges he faced and overcame during his life. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1991, and he was initially told that he would only live for a few years. However, he proved the doctors wrong and went on to have a long and successful life. He also used his platform to educate others about HIV and to help break down the stigma associated with the disease. He has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
One of the most interesting things about Magic Johnson’s life is the way he has been able to balance his athletic career with his business career. After he retired from the NBA, he went on to have a very successful career as an entrepreneur and businessman. He has been involved in numerous businesses, including Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate that has ownership interests in a number of different companies. He has also been involved in real estate, sports team ownership, and philanthropy.
Award
- NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1979)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
- NBA MVP (1987)
- NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
- NCAA Basketball Hall of Fame (1991)
- FIBA Hall of Fame (2010)
- NBA Hall of Fame (2002)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014)
These are just some of the many awards that Magic Johnson has received over the course of his career. He has also received numerous honorary degrees from colleges and universities across the United States.
Net Worth
Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $620 million. This includes his earnings from his basketball career, as well as his business ventures and investments. He has also written several books and been a television commentator and analyst. He has used his wealth to give back to the community, and he has been involved in numerous charitable causes. It is clear that Magic Johnson’s net worth is reflective of his incredible success in both athletics and business