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 winning a national championship with Michigan State, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the "Showtime" era. Johnson's career faced an abrupt halt in 1991 when he announced he had contracted HIV, leading to his initial retirement. Despite this, he made several comebacks, including winning the All-Star MVP in 1992 and playing 32 games in 1996, before ultimately retiring for good.

Sections (6)

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

1969: Celtics consecutive titles in NBA Finals

In the 1987-88 season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that they would defend the NBA title, even though no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics did so in the 1969 NBA Finals.

1978: NCAA Tournament Qualification

In 1978, Michigan State qualified for the NCAA tournament.

1979: Drafted into the NBA

In 1979, Jerry Buss drafted Magic Johnson with the #1 pick in the NBA draft.

1979: NCAA Finals Against Larry Bird

In 1979, Magic Johnson faced Larry Bird in the NCAA finals, beginning their well-documented friendship and rivalry.

1979: Drafted First Overall by the Los Angeles Lakers

In 1979, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

1979: NBA Draft and Championship with Michigan State

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

1979: Michigan State defeats Indiana State in NCAA finals

In 1979, Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans squad defeated Larry Bird's Indiana State Sycamores team in the NCAA finals, beginning a notable rivalry.

1979: NCAA Championship Victory

In 1979, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, defeated Indiana State to win the NCAA Championship. Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

1980: Start of the 1980-81 Season

Early in the 1980-81 season, Johnson had a heated dispute with Westhead, who Johnson said made the Lakers "slow" and "predictable".

1980: NBA Finals Victory and Finals MVP Award

In 1980, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic Johnson, as a rookie, played multiple positions in Game 6 due to Abdul-Jabbar's injury, leading the Lakers to victory and earning himself the NBA Finals MVP award.

1981: 25-Year Contract and Dispute with Westhead

In 1981, Magic Johnson signed a 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers. He also had a heated dispute with coach Paul Westhead, leading to Westhead's firing.

1981: First Round Playoff Upset

In 1981, after returning from a knee injury, Magic Johnson and the Lakers were upset by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs after Johnson missed a last-second shot.

1982: Start of Double-Double Seasons

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

1982: NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award

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

1982: Named Finals MVP

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

1984: NBA Finals

In 1984, the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals as part of a series of matchups between the two teams.

1984: Start of 1984-85 Regular Season

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

1985: Johnson creates "A Midsummer Night's Magic" charity event

In 1985, Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", an annual charity event benefiting the United Negro College Fund.

1985: NBA Finals Victory Over the Celtics

In 1985, Magic Johnson and the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, a series that Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar described as the highlight of their careers.

1985: Double-Double Season

In the 1985-86 NBA season, Magic Johnson again averaged a double-double.

1987: Lakers public promise to defend NBA title

Before the 1987-88 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that they would defend the NBA title.

1987: NBA Finals

In 1987, the Lakers and Celtics met again in the NBA Finals as part of a series of matchups between the two teams.

1988: Lakers win NBA Championship

In 1988, Magic Johnson and the Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, securing Johnson's fifth and final NBA championship. Despite missing 10 games with a groin injury in the regular season, Johnson played a pivotal role in the championship series.

1989: Lakers reach NBA finals

In 1989, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals but were swept by the Pistons after Johnson sustained a hamstring injury in Game 2.

1990: PepsiCo Bottling Interest

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 the company in the United States.

November 1991: Creation of the Magic Johnson Foundation

In November 1991, after announcing his HIV infection, Magic Johnson established the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat HIV, later expanding its goals to other charitable causes.

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: Johnson founds the Magic Johnson Foundation

In 1991, Magic Johnson founded the Magic Johnson Foundation.

1991: Lakers reach NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls

In the 1990-91 NBA season, the Lakers reached the 1991 NBA Finals and faced the Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan. Despite Johnson's efforts, the Bulls won the series 4-1, marking the last championship series of Johnson's career.

1992: Johnson aborted comeback

After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs in 1996, Johnson retired permanently, saying, "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992."

1992: Johnson announces comeback attempt, 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 due to controversy over his return.

1992: Received $14 Million Contract

In 1992, Jerry Buss gave Magic Johnson a contract that paid him $14 million a year, as payback for all the years he was not the league's highest-paid player.

1992: Johnson plays for the Dream Team at the Barcelona Summer Olympics

In 1992, Magic Johnson competed in the Barcelona Summer Olympics for the U.S. national team, known as the "Dream Team". The team won the gold medal with an 8–0 record.

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 protests from fellow players.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the Dream Team

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 and wins MVP

In 1992, despite his retirement, Magic Johnson was voted as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP award after recording 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds.

1992: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" raises over $1.3 million for UNCF

The 1992 "A Midsummer Night's Magic" event, held after Johnson's appearance in the 1992 Olympics, raised over $1.3 million for the United Negro College Fund.

1993: Johnson returns to the Lakers as coach

Near the end of the 1993-94 NBA season, Johnson became the coach for the Lakers, replacing Randy Pfund.

June 1994: Johnson purchases a share of the Lakers team

In June 1994, after resigning as coach, Johnson purchased a 5% share of the Lakers.

1994: Buss sold Johnson a stake in the team

In 1994, Jerry Buss sold Magic Johnson a stake in the Lakers.

1994: Johnson forms the Magic Johnson All-Stars

In 1994, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team composed of former NBA and college players.

1994: Took Head Coaching Position with Lakers

In 1994, Magic Johnson agreed to take the head coaching position with the Lakers at Jerry Buss' request.

1994: Lakers Ownership

In 1994, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the Lakers, reportedly investing over $10 million. He also assumed the role of team vice president.

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: Johnson plays in celebrity game to honor coach Jud Heathcoate

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

January 29, 1996: Johnson officially returns to the Lakers as a player

On January 29, 1996, Johnson officially returned to the Lakers, playing his first game the following day against the Golden State Warriors.

1996: Johnson retires permanently from the NBA

After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, Johnson retired permanently from the NBA in 1996.

1996: Magic Johnson All-Stars amassed record

By the time he returned to the Lakers in 1996, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had amassed a record of 55-0.

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.

1996: Final NBA Return

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

1997: Signed Deal with Fox

In 1997, Magic Johnson's production company, Magic Johnson Entertainment, signed a deal with Fox.

1998: Hosted "The Magic Hour"

In 1998, Magic Johnson hosted a late night talk show on the Fox network called "The Magic Hour", but the show was canceled after two months because of low ratings.

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1999: Joins 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. He also became a co-owner of the club. However, the project failed after one season, and the club was forced into reconstruction. He later joined the Danish team The Great Danes.

1999: Speaker at UN World AIDS Day Conference

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

2000: Renamed Record Label to Magic Johnson Music

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

November 2001: Johnson plays against Michigan State with the All-Stars

In November 2001, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State, in his hometown of Lansing for the first time in 22 years.

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

On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State, playing with the Canberra Cannons of Australia's National Basketball League.

2002: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2002, Magic Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2004: Sold Magic Johnson Theaters

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" charity event

In 2005, Johnson's yearly charity event, "A Midsummer Night's Magic", came to an end after twenty years.

2005: Bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

In 2005, Magic Johnson was part of a syndicate that bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower for $71 million.

2006: Created Sodexo-Magic

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

2007: Converted the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

In 2007, Magic Johnson converted the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower into luxury condominiums.

2008: Joined ESPN's NBA Countdown

In 2008, Magic Johnson became a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA Countdown.

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October 2010: Sale of Lakers Ownership Stake

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

2010: Sold Remaining Interest in Starbucks Stores

In 2010, Magic Johnson sold his remaining interest in the Starbucks stores back to the company, ending a successful twelve-year partnership.

2010: Closed First Magic Johnson Theater

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

2011: Re-opened First Magic Johnson Theater

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

January 2012: Joined Bid for Dodgers Ownership

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: Won proceedings to buy the Dodgers

In March 2012, Magic Johnson's ownership group was announced as the winner of the proceedings to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion. The Johnson-led group, which also includes movie executive Peter Guber.

2012: Launched Aspire TV Network

In 2012, Magic Johnson launched a cable TV network called Aspire, featuring programming targeted at black audiences.

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2014: Sold Stake in Dragons

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

2015: Acquisition of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company

In 2015, Magic Johnson finalized his acquisition of a "majority, controlling interest" in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which manages $14.5 billion in annuities, life insurance, and other financial products.

2016: Won WNBA Championship

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 as an advisor to Jeanie Buss.

February 21, 2017: Replaced as 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: Los Angeles FC Began Play

In 2018, Magic Johnson's Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise, Los Angeles FC, began play.

2018: Signed Lebron James

In 2018, the Lakers reached an agreement with free agent LeBron James on a four-year contract.

April 9, 2019: Resigned from Lakers

On April 9, 2019, Magic Johnson resigned from the Lakers, citing his desire to return to his role as an NBA ambassador.

2019: Receives NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2019, Magic Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, shared with Larry Bird.

2020: Dodgers win the World Series

In 2020, the 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: Failed Bid on the Denver Broncos

In 2022, Magic Johnson joined Josh Harris on an unsuccessful bid on the Denver Broncos.

2022: Won MLS Cup

In 2022, Magic Johnson's team, Los Angeles FC, won the MLS Cup.

2023: Invested in Washington Commanders

In 2023, Magic Johnson invested $240 million in a group headed by Josh Harris that purchased the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL) for $6.05 billion.