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 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. In 1991, Johnson announced his HIV diagnosis and initially retired, though he made a celebrated return at the 1992 All-Star Game. After further controversy, he retired again before briefly returning to the Lakers in 1996, marking his final stint in the NBA.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1969: Celtics win NBA Finals

In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Celtics won the NBA title, and no team had won consecutive titles since them, until the 1988 Lakers.

1979: Buss Acquires Lakers and Drafts Johnson

In 1979, Jerry Buss acquired the Los Angeles Lakers from Jack Kent Cooke and subsequently drafted Magic Johnson as the #1 pick in the 1979 NBA draft, marking the beginning of a significant relationship.

1979: Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1979, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he would play alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team and was named an NBA All-Star Game starter.

1979: Michigan State defeats Indiana State in NCAA finals

In 1979, Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans defeated Larry Bird's Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA finals, marking the beginning of their rivalry.

1979: NCAA Championship Win

In 1979, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, defeated Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, in the NCAA championship game. Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and was selected to the All-American team.

1979: NBA Draft

In 1979, after winning a national championship with Michigan State, Magic Johnson was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1980: NBA Finals Win

In 1980, the Lakers won the NBA Finals.

1980: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 1980, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, reached the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Johnson started at center in Game 6 due to Abdul-Jabbar's injury and led the Lakers to victory, becoming the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award.

1981: Record-Breaking Contract and Dispute with Westhead

In 1981, Magic Johnson signed a 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers. Later that year, he had a dispute with coach Paul Westhead, which led to Westhead's firing.

1981: Knee Injury and Playoff Upset

In 1981, Magic Johnson suffered torn cartilage in his left knee and missed 45 games. The Lakers were later upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets after Johnson missed a last-second shot.

1982: Double-Double Season

During the 1982-83 NBA season, Magic Johnson began his first of nine consecutive double-double seasons.

1982: NBA Finals Victory

In 1982, the Lakers, with Magic Johnson, advanced through the playoffs and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. Johnson won his second NBA Finals MVP award.

1982: Named NBA Finals MVP

In the 1982 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson was named the Finals MVP despite averaging just 16.2 points, which is the lowest average of any Finals MVP award recipient in the three-point shot era.

1984: Converse Advertisement Transforms Rivalry into Friendship

In 1984, despite their intense on-court rivalry, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird became close friends while filming a Converse shoe advertisement that initially portrayed them as enemies. The Converse shoe ad brought them closer together.

1984: NBA Finals Series Begins

In 1984, the rivalry between Johnson and Bird reached a climax as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers met in the NBA Finals, intensifying their competition.

1984: Regular Season Performance

In the 1984-85 regular season, Magic Johnson averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game.

1985: Double-Double Season

During the 1985-86 NBA season, Johnson averaged a double-double with 18.8 points and 12.6 assists per game.

1985: Creation of A Midsummer Night's Magic

In 1985, Magic Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", an annual charity event including a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner, benefiting the United Negro College Fund.

1985: NBA Finals Victory Over Celtics

In 1985, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, defeated the Boston Celtics in six games in the NBA Finals. The win was considered a career highlight for both players.

1987: Lakers promise to defend NBA title

Before the 1987–88 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that the team would defend the NBA title, even though no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics in 1969.

1987: NBA Finals Series Climax

In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics' rivalry continued in the NBA Finals, marking a high point in their competitive history.

1988: Start of the 1988-89 NBA season

At the start of the 1988-89 NBA season, Johnson was playing for the Lakers.

1988: Lakers win NBA Championship

In 1988, Magic Johnson and the Lakers secured their fifth and final NBA championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought series. Johnson averaged 21.1 points, 13 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in the series.

1989: Johnson wins second MVP award; Lakers lose in NBA Finals

In 1989, Magic Johnson earned his second MVP award with averages of 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. The Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals but were swept by the Pistons after Johnson suffered a hamstring injury.

1989: Johnson wins third MVP award

In the 1989–90 NBA season, Johnson won his third MVP award, averaging 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game.

1990: PepsiCo Bottling Operation Investment

In 1990, Magic Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. acquired a large interest in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation, making it the company's largest minority-owned facility in the U.S.

1990: Lakers Bow Out of Playoffs

In 1990, the Lakers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, marking their earliest playoff exit in nine years.

October 1991: Johnson plays in McDonald's Open

In October 1991, Johnson played with the Lakers in the McDonald's Open in Paris, France, and was named the tournament MVP after helping the Lakers win gold.

November 1991: Announcement of HIV Infection and Creation of Magic Johnson Foundation

In November 1991, after announcing his HIV infection, Magic Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV.

1991: Formed 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: Lakers reach NBA Finals

In 1991, Magic Johnson and the Lakers reached the NBA Finals, facing Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Despite Johnson's efforts, the Bulls won the series 4–1.

1991: Magic Johnson Foundation Founded

In 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation was founded. "A Midsummer Night's Magic" eventually came under the umbrella of the foundation.

1992: Johnson announces NBA comeback, then retires again

Before the 1992–93 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback, but retired again before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return.

1992: Buss Gives Johnson $14 Million Contract

In 1992, Jerry Buss gave Magic Johnson a contract paying him $14 million a year as payback for the years he was not the league's highest-paid player, even after his retirement voided the contract, demonstrating his loyalty and generosity.

1992: Johnson Appears at Bird's Retirement Ceremony

In 1992, Magic Johnson attended Larry Bird's retirement ceremony and described Bird as a "friend forever", highlighting the depth of their bond despite their fierce competition.

1992: Joined National Commission on AIDS

In 1992, Magic Johnson joined the National Commission on AIDS, a committee appointed by members of Congress and the Bush Administration.

1992: Johnson competes in Barcelona Olympics

In 1992, Magic Johnson participated in the Barcelona Summer Olympics as part of the "Dream Team," winning a gold medal with the U.S. national team. He used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive people.

1992: All-Star Game Return

In 1992, Magic Johnson returned to play in the All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Magic Johnson was the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as "The Dream Team," which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona.

1992: Johnson plays in NBA All-Star Game

In 1992, despite his retirement, Magic Johnson was voted as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game. He led the West to victory and was named All-Star MVP, scoring 25 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.

1992: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Raises Over $1.3 Million

In 1992, the "A Midsummer Night's Magic" event raised over $1.3 million for UNCF after Johnson's appearance in the 1992 Olympics. Johnson and O'Neal led the blue team to victory over the white team.

1992: Previous Aborted Comeback Mentioned

In 1996, Johnson referred to his aborted comeback in 1992 when he permanently retired from the NBA.

1993: Johnson becomes Lakers coach

Near the end of the 1993–94 NBA season, Magic Johnson returned to the NBA as coach for the Lakers, replacing Randy Pfund.

June 1994: Johnson Purchases Share of the Lakers

In June 1994, after resigning as coach, Magic Johnson chose to purchase a 5% share of the Los Angeles Lakers.

1994: Buss Sells Johnson Stake in the Lakers

In 1994, Jerry Buss sold Magic Johnson a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrating his confidence in Johnson's business acumen and loyalty to the organization.

1994: Became Minority Owner of the Lakers

In 1994, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, reportedly paying over $10 million for part ownership and also holding the title of team vice president.

1994: Johnson Coaches the Lakers at Buss' Request

In 1994, Magic Johnson took the head coaching position with the Lakers at Jerry Buss' request, despite having no serious coaching aspirations.

1994: Johnson forms the Magic Johnson All-Stars

In 1994, determined to continue playing basketball despite being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a team composed of former NBA and college players that toured internationally.

1994: Heathcote Steps Down

In the 1994-95 season, Jud Heathcote stepped down as coach of the Spartans.

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, leading all scorers with 39 points.

1995: Johnson Prepares for NBA Comeback

During his retirement in 1995, Magic Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, raising his bench press and increasing his weight in preparation for another comeback as a player.

1995: Johnson plays in Jud Heathcoate celebrity game

In 1995, Magic Johnson played in a celebrity game to honor coach Jud Heathcoate.

January 29, 1996: Johnson Rejoins the Lakers

On January 29, 1996, at the age of 36, Magic Johnson officially returned to the Lakers during the 1995–96 NBA season, marking another comeback in his career.

1996: Johnson Retires Permanently

After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, Johnson initially expressed a desire to return to the team for the 1996–97 NBA season but then changed his mind and retired permanently in 1996.

1996: Johnson Returns to the Lakers After Playing with the All-Stars

By the time Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers in 1996, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had amassed a record of 55–0, showcasing Johnson's continued involvement in competitive basketball.

1996: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time

In 1996, Magic Johnson was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time by the NBA, recognizing his exceptional contributions to basketball.

1996: Final Return to the Lakers

In 1996, at age 36, Magic Johnson returned to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.

1997: Magic Johnson Entertainment Signs Deal with Fox

In 1997, Magic Johnson Entertainment signed a deal with Fox, expanding Johnson's presence in the entertainment industry.

1998: The Magic Hour Talk Show Cancellation

In 1998, Magic Johnson's late-night talk show "The Magic Hour" on the Fox network was canceled after two months due to low ratings.

Loading Video...

1999: Joins and Co-owns M7 Borås

In 1999, Magic Johnson joined the Swedish squad M7 Borås, now known as 'Borås Basket', and was undefeated in five games with the team. Johnson also became a co-owner of the club, but the project failed after one season.

1999: Main Speaker for UN World AIDS Day Conference

In 1999, Magic Johnson served as the main speaker for the United Nations (UN) World AIDS Day Conference and has also served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

2000: Formation of Magic Johnson Music

In 2000, Magic Johnson renamed his record label Magic Johnson Music after signing a joint venture with MCA, with R&B artist Avant as its first act.

November 2001: Johnson plays against Michigan State

In November 2001, at the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State, marking his first meaningful game in his hometown of Lansing in 22 years.

November 1, 2002: Johnson plays second exhibition game against Michigan State

On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State with the Canberra Cannons, defeating the Spartans.

2002: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2002, Magic Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring his remarkable career and impact on basketball.

2004: Sale of Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment

In 2004, Magic Johnson and his partner Ken Lombard sold Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment.

2005: End of 'A Midsummer Night's Magic'

In 2005, Johnson's yearly charity event, "A Midsummer Night's Magic," which included a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner, came to an end after being held for twenty years.

2005: Investment in Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

In 2005, Magic Johnson became part of a syndicate that acquired the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower for $71 million, with plans to convert the building into luxury condominiums.

2006: Rated Greatest Point Guard of All Time by ESPN.com

In 2006, ESPN.com rated Magic Johnson as the greatest point guard of all time, acknowledging his superior skills and influence on the game.

2006: Creation of Sodexo-Magic

In 2006, Magic Johnson created a contract food service with Sodexo USA called Sodexo-Magic, expanding his business ventures.

2007: Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower Conversion

In 2007, Magic Johnson was still part of a syndicate that converted the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower from an office building into luxury condominiums.

2008: Joins ESPN's NBA Countdown as Studio Analyst

In 2008, Magic Johnson became a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA Countdown after working as an NBA commentator for Turner Network Television for seven years.

Loading Video...

2009: Collaboration on 'When the Game Was Ours'

In 2009, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on the non-fiction book "When the Game Was Ours", detailing their on-court rivalry and friendship.

When The Game Was Ours

Check it on Amazon

October 2010: Sold Lakers Ownership Stake

In October 2010, Magic Johnson sold his ownership stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to Patrick Soon-Shiong, while continuing as an unpaid vice president of the team.

2010: Selling Starbucks Interest

In 2010, Magic Johnson sold his remaining interest in the Starbucks stores back to the company, concluding a successful twelve-year partnership that placed Starbucks in urban communities.

2010: Closure of First Magic Johnson Theater

In 2010, the first Magic Johnson Theater located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, closed.

2011: Re-opening of First Magic Johnson Theater as Rave Cinema 15

In 2011, the first Magic Johnson Theater located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, re-opened as Rave Cinema 15.

2011: Frontline Interview Recalling Promise to Elizabeth Glaser

In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Magic Johnson recalled his promise to AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser to become the face of the disease and educate people about it.

January 2012: Johnson Joins Bid for Ownership of Los Angeles Dodgers

In January 2012, Magic Johnson joined Guggenheim Partners and Stan Kasten in a bid for ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, marking his entry into baseball ownership.

March 2012: Johnson's Group Wins Bid to Buy the Dodgers

In March 2012, Magic Johnson's ownership group, including Peter Guber, won the proceedings to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion, with Johnson as the face of the group.

2012: Launch of Aspire Cable TV Network

In 2012, Magic Johnson launched a cable TV network called Aspire, featuring programming targeted at black audiences, similar to networks such as Black Entertainment Television (BET) and TV One.

Loading Video...

2014: Sells Stake in Dayton Dragons & Involved in Buying the Los Angeles Sparks

In 2014, Magic Johnson and Peter Guber sold their stake in the Dayton Dragons and, alongside Guggenheim, Johnson was also involved in buying the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. He was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25.

2015: Acquisition of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company

In 2015, Magic Johnson completed his 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: Returned to the Lakers as an advisor

In February 2017, Magic Johnson returned to the Los Angeles Lakers as an advisor to Jeanie Buss, marking his re-engagement with the team in a leadership capacity.

February 21, 2017: Johnson Becomes President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers

On February 21, 2017, Magic Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, taking on a key executive role.

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, marking his continued involvement in sports ownership.

2018: Lakers Sign LeBron James

In 2018, under Magic Johnson's leadership, the Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James to a four-year contract, aiming to bring the team back to prominence.

April 9, 2019: Johnson Resigns from the Lakers

On April 9, 2019, Magic Johnson unexpectedly resigned from his position with the Los Angeles Lakers during an impromptu news conference, citing his desire to return to his role as an NBA ambassador.

2019: Receives NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2019, at the NBA Awards, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird jointly received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring their significant contributions to basketball.

2020: Dodgers Win the World Series

In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his place among basketball legends.

2022: Los Angeles FC Wins the MLS Cup

In 2022, Los Angeles FC, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the MLS Cup, adding another championship to his sports ownership portfolio.

2022: Named 5th Greatest Player in NBA History by The Athletic

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Magic Johnson as the 5th greatest player in NBA history and the highest-ranked point guard, commemorating the NBA's 75th anniversary.

2022: Unsuccessful Bid on Denver Broncos

In 2022, prior to investing in the Washington Commanders, Magic Johnson joined Josh Harris on an unsuccessful bid on the Denver Broncos.

2022: Western Conference Finals MVP Trophy Named After Johnson

In 2022, the NBA began awarding MVPs for the conference finals, with the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy named after Magic Johnson, solidifying his lasting impact on the sport.

2023: Became a Billionaire

According to Forbes, in 2023, Magic Johnson achieved billionaire status, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest celebrities.

2023: Investment in Washington Commanders

In 2023, Magic Johnson invested $240 million in a group headed by Josh Harris that purchased the Washington Commanders of the NFL for $6.05 billion, realizing his dream of owning an NFL team.

September 2024: Joins Investment Group for Washington Spirit

In September 2024, Magic Johnson joined the investment group for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), further expanding his sports ownership portfolio.