Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Magic Johnson
Discover the career path of Magic Johnson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., is a celebrated American businessman and former professional basketball player, widely considered the greatest point guard ever. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 after a national championship with Michigan State, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the 'Showtime' era. Johnson's career was marked by an abrupt retirement in 1991 following his HIV diagnosis. He made several comebacks, including the 1992 All-Star Game where he won MVP, and a brief stint in 1996, before his final retirement.
1979: Drafted First Overall by the Los Angeles Lakers
In 1979, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant milestone in his career.
1979: NBA Draft and Championship with Michigan State
In 1979, Magic Johnson won a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans. Later that year, he was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
1980: NBA Finals Victory and MVP Award
In 1980, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals and faced the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic Johnson led the Lakers to a 123–107 win in Game 6, recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. He became the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award.
1980: Lakers compiled a 60–22 record
The Lakers compiled a 60–22 record in the regular season
1981: Knee Injury and Playoff Upset
Early in the 1980–81 season, Magic Johnson was sidelined after he suffered torn cartilage in his left knee, missing 45 games. He returned before the start of the 1981 playoffs, but the Lakers were upset by the Houston Rockets in the first round.
1981: Signed a 25-Year Contract with the Lakers
In 1981, after the 1980–81 season, Magic Johnson signed a 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers, which was the highest-paying contract in sports history up to that point.
1982: Double-Double Season and Finals Appearance
During the 1982–83 NBA season, Magic Johnson began his first of nine consecutive double-double seasons, averaging 16.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game. The Lakers reached the Finals.
1982: NBA Finals Victory and Second Finals MVP
In 1982, the Lakers faced Philadelphia in the NBA Finals, and Magic Johnson won his second NBA Finals MVP award after a triple-double in Game 6, helping the Lakers defeat the Sixers 4–2.
1982: Named Finals MVP
In the 1982 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson was named the Finals MVP, averaging just 16.2 points. It was the lowest average of any Finals MVP award recipient in the three-point shot era.
1984: NBA Finals Rivalry Peak
From 1984 to 1987, the rivalry between Johnson and Bird reached its peak as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers met in the NBA Finals three out of four times, with the Lakers winning two.
1984: Regular Season Averages
In the 1984–85 regular season, Magic Johnson averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game, leading the Lakers into the 1985 NBA Finals.
1985: Creation of "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Charity Event
In 1985, Magic Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", an annual charity event that included a celebrity basketball game and a black-tie dinner. The proceeds went to the United Negro College Fund, and this event continued for twenty years.
1985: NBA Finals Victory Against the Celtics
In 1985, the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in six games in the NBA Finals. Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson both highlighted the Finals win as the pinnacle of their careers.
1985: Averaged a Double-Double
In the 1985–86 NBA season, Magic Johnson again averaged a double-double, with 18.8 points, 12.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.
1987: Riley's Promise to Defend NBA Title
In 1987, before the NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly declared that the team would defend their NBA title. This set a high expectation, as no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics in 1969.
1988: Lakers Win NBA Championship
In 1988, Magic Johnson and the Lakers won the NBA Championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a grueling series. Despite facing a physical Pistons team known as the "Bad Boys", the Lakers prevailed in seven games, securing Johnson's fifth and final NBA title.
1988: Lakers Reach the 1989 NBA Finals
In the 1988-89 season, Magic Johnson and the Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. Unfortunately, they would face the Detroit Pistons again in the finals, where they would ultimately lose.
1989: Magic Johnson Wins Second MVP Award
In 1989, Magic Johnson earned his second MVP award after averaging 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. The Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals but were swept by the Detroit Pistons after Johnson sustained a hamstring injury.
1989: Johnson Plays Without Abdul-Jabbar
In the 1989-90 NBA season, Magic Johnson played without Abdul-Jabbar for the first time, leading the Lakers to the Western Conference semifinals.
1990: PepsiCo Bottling Operation Investment
In 1990, Magic Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. acquired a significant stake in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation, establishing it as the largest minority-owned facility within PepsiCo in the United States.
1990: Johnson Wins Third MVP Award, Lakers Bow Out of Playoffs
In 1990, Magic Johnson secured his third MVP award after averaging 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game. However, the Lakers were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals by the Phoenix Suns, marking their earliest playoff exit in nine years.
October 1991: Johnson Plays in McDonald's Open, Named Tournament MVP
In October 1991, Magic Johnson played with the Lakers in the McDonald's Open in Paris, France. He was named the tournament MVP after helping the Lakers win gold.
November 1991: Creation of the Magic Johnson Foundation
Following his HIV diagnosis announcement in November 1991, Magic Johnson established the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat HIV, later broadening its scope to include other charitable endeavors.
1991: Formation of Magic Johnson All-Stars
After leaving the NBA in 1991, Magic Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games.
1991: Abrupt Retirement Due to HIV
In 1991, Magic Johnson abruptly retired from the NBA after announcing that he had contracted HIV.
1991: Magic Johnson Foundation Founded
In 1991, Magic Johnson founded the Magic Johnson Foundation. This foundation eventually encompassed "A Midsummer Night's Magic", a charity event benefiting the United Negro College Fund.
1991: Lakers Face Chicago Bulls in NBA Finals
In 1991, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, reached the NBA Finals and faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Despite Johnson's efforts, including two triple-doubles, the Bulls won the series 4–1. Johnson averaged 18.6 points, 12.4 assists, and 8 rebounds per game in what would be the last championship series of his career.
1992: Johnson Announces NBA Comeback, Then Retires Again
Before the 1992-93 NBA season, Magic Johnson announced his intention to return to the NBA. However, after practicing and playing in pre-season games, he retired again before the regular season started due to controversy and concerns from other players regarding his HIV status.
1992: Johnson Competes in Barcelona Olympics
In 1992, Magic Johnson participated in the Barcelona Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. "Dream Team." The team dominated the competition, winning the gold medal with an 8–0 record. Johnson averaged 8.0 points per game and used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive individuals.
1992: All-Star Game Return and Second Retirement
In 1992, Magic Johnson returned to play in the All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again after fellow players protested his return.
1992: Buss Pays Voided Contract
In 1992, despite Magic Johnson's retirement voiding a $14 million contract, Lakers owner Jerry Buss insisted that Johnson still be paid.
1992: Johnson Plays in NBA All-Star Game
In 1992, despite his recent retirement, Magic Johnson was voted in by fans to start in the NBA All-Star Game. Controversy arose due to concerns about his HIV status, but he played and led the West team to a victory, earning the All-Star MVP award.
1992: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Raises $1.3 Million
In 1992, the "A Midsummer Night's Magic" event, following Johnson's appearance in the Olympics, raised over $1.3 million for the United Negro College Fund. The event featured a celebrity basketball game led by Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, and Spike Lee.
1993: Johnson Becomes Lakers Coach
Near the end of the 1993-94 NBA season, Magic Johnson returned to the NBA as the coach for the Lakers, replacing Randy Pfund. Johnson took the job after being encouraged by owner Jerry Buss.
June 1994: Johnson Purchases Share of the Lakers
In June 1994, after resigning as coach of the Lakers, Magic Johnson purchased a 5% share of the team.
1994: Minority Ownership of the Lakers
In 1994, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the Lakers, investing over $10 million for part ownership. He also assumed the role of team vice president.
1994: Johnson Forms Magic Johnson All-Stars
In 1994, Magic Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a team composed of former NBA and college players, and toured various countries, playing competitive basketball.
June 8, 1995: 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, where he led all scorers with 39 points.
1995: Celebrity Game to Honor Jud Heathcoate
In 1995, Magic Johnson played in a celebrity game to honor coach Jud Heathcoate.
January 29, 1996: Johnson Returns to the Lakers
On January 29, 1996, at the age of 36, Magic Johnson made his official return to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1995-96 NBA season. His first game back was the following day against the Golden State Warriors.
1996: Johnson Retires Permanently
After the Lakers lost in the first round of the playoffs, in 1996, Magic Johnson initially considered returning for another season or joining another team. However, he ultimately decided to retire permanently, stating he was "going out on my terms."
1996: All-Stars Amass Record of 55-0
By 1996, when Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had achieved a record of 55-0. Johnson was earning as much as $365,000 per game playing with the team.
1996: Final Return and Retirement
In 1996, at age 36, Magic Johnson returned to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
1997: Deal with Fox
In 1997, Magic Johnson Entertainment, his production company, signed a deal with Fox.
1998: The Magic Hour Cancellation
In 1998, Magic Johnson hosted a late-night talk show called "The Magic Hour" on the Fox network, but it was canceled after two months due to low ratings.
1999: Joins M7 Borås
In 1999, Magic Johnson joined the Swedish squad M7 Borås and was undefeated in five games. He also became a co-owner, but the project failed after one season.
1999: Main Speaker at UN World AIDS Day Conference
In 1999, Magic Johnson was the main speaker at the United Nations (UN) World AIDS Day Conference, and has since served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.
2000: Magic Johnson Music Venture
In 2000, Magic Johnson launched Magic Johnson Music, a joint venture with MCA, initially named Magic 32 Records. R&B artist Avant was signed as its first act. He also co-promoted Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour.
November 2001: Johnson Plays Against Michigan State
In November 2001, at the age of 42, Magic Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State, in his hometown of Lansing for the first meaningful game in 22 years. Johnson had a triple-double, but his team lost by two points.
November 1, 2002: Johnson Plays Second Exhibition Game Against Michigan State
On November 1, 2002, Magic Johnson played a second exhibition game against Michigan State with the Canberra Cannons, defeating the Spartans 104–85.
2004: Sale of Magic Johnson Theaters
In 2004, Magic Johnson and Ken Lombard sold Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment.
2005: Bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
In 2005, Magic Johnson was part of a syndicate that bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower in Brooklyn for $71 million.
2005: End of "A Midsummer Night's Magic"
In 2005, Magic Johnson's yearly charity event "A Midsummer Night's Magic" ended after twenty years of raising money for the United Negro College Fund.
2006: Rated Greatest Point Guard of All Time
In 2006, ESPN.com rated Magic Johnson as the greatest point guard of all time.
2006: Creation of Sodexo-Magic
In 2006, Magic Johnson created a contract food service with Sodexo USA called Sodexo-Magic.
2007: Conversion of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
In 2007, Magic Johnson and partners converted the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower into luxury condominiums.
2008: Joins ESPN's NBA Countdown
In 2008, Magic Johnson became a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA Countdown.
2009: Collaboration on 'When the Game Was Ours'
In 2009, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a non-fiction book titled "When the Game Was Ours", detailing their rivalry and friendship.
October 2010: Sale of Lakers Ownership Stake
In October 2010, Magic Johnson sold his ownership stake in the Lakers to Patrick Soon-Shiong, but remained with the team as an unpaid vice president.
2010: End of Starbucks Partnership
In 2010, Magic Johnson sold his remaining interest in Starbucks stores back to the company, ending a successful twelve-year partnership.
2010: First Magic Johnson Theater Closes
In 2010, the first Magic Johnson Theater, located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, closed.
2011: Re-opening of Magic Johnson Theater
In 2011, the first Magic Johnson Theater, previously closed, re-opened as Rave Cinema 15.
2011: Frontline Interview on AIDS Activism
In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Magic Johnson recalled a promise he made to AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser before her death, where she convinced him to become the face of the disease and educate people about it.
January 2012: Joins Dodgers Ownership Bid
In January 2012, Magic Johnson joined with Guggenheim Partners and Stan Kasten in a bid for ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
March 2012: Dodgers Ownership Secured
In March 2012, Magic Johnson's ownership group was announced as the winner of the proceedings to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers, paying $2 billion for the team.
2012: Launch of Aspire TV Network
In 2012, Magic Johnson launched a cable TV network called Aspire, featuring programming targeted at black audiences.
2014: Sells stake in the Dragons
In 2014, Magic Johnson and Peter Guber sold their stake in the Dayton Dragons. Also, Johnson was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25.
2014: Involved in buying the Los Angeles Sparks
In 2014, Together with Guggenheim, Magic Johnson was also involved in buying the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.
2015: Acquisition of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
In 2015, Magic Johnson completed his planned acquisition for a majority, controlling interest in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which manages $14.5 billion in annuities, life insurance and other financial products.
2016: WNBA Championship as Owner
In 2016, Magic Johnson won the WNBA championship as the owner of the Los Angeles Sparks.
February 2017: Return to the Lakers as Advisor
In February 2017, Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers organization as an advisor to Jeanie Buss.
February 21, 2017: Appointed Lakers President of Basketball Operations
On February 21, 2017, Magic Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.
2018: Co-ownership of Los Angeles FC
In 2018, Magic Johnson announced co-ownership of a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise, Los Angeles FC, which began play
2018: Lakers sign LeBron James
In 2018, Magic Johnson as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers reached an agreement with free agent LeBron James on a four-year contract.
April 9, 2019: Resignation from the Lakers
On April 9, 2019, Magic Johnson resigned from his position as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, citing his desire to return to his role as an NBA ambassador.
2019: NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2019, Magic Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, shared with Larry Bird.
2020: Dodgers Win World Series
In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.
2021: Selected to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2022: Unsuccessful bid on the Denver Broncos
In 2022, Magic Johnson held talks with other groups interested in buying the Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders before meeting and joining Josh Harris on an unsuccessful bid on the Denver Broncos.
2022: MLS Cup Win
In 2022, Magic Johnson's Los Angeles FC won the MLS Cup.
2022: NBA Western Conference Finals MVP trophy is named after Magic Johnson
In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th anniversary, the NBA began awarding MVPs for the conference finals; the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy is named after Magic Johnson.
2023: Becomes a Billionaire
According to Forbes, in 2023, Magic Johnson became a billionaire.
2023: Investment in Washington Commanders
In 2023, Magic Johnson invested $240 million in a group that purchased the Washington Commanders of the NFL.
September 2024: Joins Ownership Group of Washington Spirit
In September 2024, Magic Johnson joined the ownership group of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
2024: Dodgers Win the World Series
In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.
2025: equivalent to $89,000,000
In 1981, Magic Johnson signed a contract with the Lakers for $25 million, equivalent to $89,000,000 in 2025
2025: Ranked as 4th greatest player of all time
In 2025, Bleacher Report also listed Magic Johnson among the greatest players of all time, placing him 4th.
2025: Dodgers Win the World Series
In 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.
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