Challenges Faced by Magic Johnson: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Magic Johnson's life and career.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a highly accomplished American businessman and retired professional basketball player, widely considered the greatest point guard ever. He played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships during the "Showtime" era after being drafted first overall in 1979 after winning a national championship with Michigan State. In 1991, he announced his HIV diagnosis and initially retired, returning for the 1992 All-Star Game (winning MVP) and briefly in 1996 before permanently retiring.

Sections (6)

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

1981: Knee Injury and Playoff Upset

Early in the 1980–81 season, Magic Johnson suffered a knee injury and missed 45 games. The Lakers were later upset by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

1989: NBA Finals and Hamstring Injury

In the 1988-89 NBA season, Johnson won his second MVP award, and the Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals, in which they again faced the Pistons. However, after Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, the Lakers were swept 4–0.

1990: Playoff Elimination

During the 1989-90 NBA season, the Lakers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. This was the Lakers' earliest playoffs elimination in nine years.

November 7, 1991: HIV Diagnosis and Retirement Announcement

On November 7, 1991, Johnson announced in a press conference that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately. He also stated that his wife and unborn child did not have HIV.

November 1991: Announcement of HIV Infection

In November 1991, Magic Johnson announced he was infected with HIV, after which he created the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat the disease.

1991: HIV Diagnosis

In 1991, Jerry Buss supported Magic Johnson when he revealed his diagnosis of HIV and ensured he remained close to the Lakers organization.

1991: Abrupt Retirement Announcement

In 1991, Magic Johnson abruptly retired from the NBA after announcing that he had contracted HIV.

1991: NBA Finals Appearance

In the 1990-91 NBA season, the Lakers reached the 1991 NBA Finals, where they faced the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan. The Bulls won the series 4-1, despite two triple-doubles from Johnson.

1992: Second Retirement

Before the 1992-93 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback. After practicing and playing in several pre-season games, he retired again before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return sparked by opposition from several active players.

1992: Joining the National Commission on AIDS

In 1992, Magic Johnson joined the National Commission on AIDS, appointed by Congress and the Bush Administration, but left after eight months due to disagreements with the White House.

1995: Intense Workouts

During his retirement in 1995, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, raising his bench press from 135 to 300 pounds, and increasing his weight to 255 pounds.

1998: Hosted The Magic Hour

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

2010: Magic Johnson Theater Closed

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

2011: Interview with Frontline

In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Magic Johnson recalled how AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser convinced him to go public about his HIV diagnosis, and he promised to become the face of the disease and help and educate people.