Early Life and Education of Magic Johnson: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Magic Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.
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.
August 14, 1959: Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. Born
On August 14, 1959, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., an American businessman and former professional basketball player, was born.
1977: Named to the McDonald's All-American team
In 1977, Magic Johnson was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team, which played in the Capital Classic.
1978: NCAA Tournament Berth
In 1978, Magic Johnson, playing with future NBA draftees, led the Spartans to a berth in the NCAA tournament, where they reached the Elite Eight.
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.
1981: Birth of Andre Johnson
In 1981, Magic Johnson fathered a son, Andre Johnson, with Melissa Mitchell. Andre was raised by his mother but visited Magic each summer and later worked for Magic Johnson Enterprises.
1984: Friendship Forged in Converse Ad
In 1984, despite their on-court rivalry, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird became close friends while filming a Converse shoe advertisement, where they were depicted as enemies.
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.
November 7, 1991: Magic Johnson Announces HIV Diagnosis and Retirement
On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson publicly announced that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately from basketball. He reassured the public that his wife and unborn child were not infected and pledged to dedicate his life to battling the disease.
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: Buss supports Johnson after HIV Diagnosis
In 1991, Lakers owner Jerry Buss supported Magic Johnson after Johnson revealed his HIV diagnosis, keeping Johnson close to the organization.
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: Marriage to Cookie Kelly
In 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly at the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Lansing. Guests included Isiah Thomas, Mark Aguirre, and Herb Williams.
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: Aborted Comeback
In 1992 Magic Johnson had aborted a comeback due to controversy over his HIV status. In 1996, he finally retired for good.
1992: Appearance at Bird's Retirement Ceremony
In 1992, Magic Johnson appeared at Larry Bird's retirement ceremony and described Bird as a "friend forever."
1992: Appointment to National Commission on AIDS
In 1992, Magic Johnson joined the National Commission on AIDS, a committee formed by Congress and the Bush Administration; however, he resigned after eight months due to disagreements with the White House's approach and policies on AIDS.
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: Publication of Autobiography "Magic Johnson: My Life"
In 1992, Magic Johnson's autobiography, titled "Magic Johnson: My Life", was published.
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: Jud Heathcote stepped down as coach of the Spartans
After the 1994–95 season, Jud Heathcote stepped down as coach of the Spartans.
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.
1995: Johnson Begins Intense Workouts
During his retirement, starting in 1995, Magic Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, significantly increasing his strength and weight.
1995: Adoption of Daughter Elisa
In 1995, Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, adopted a daughter named Elisa.
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.
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: 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: HIV Announcement Named Seventh-Most Memorable Moment by ESPN
In 2004, ESPN named Magic Johnson's HIV announcement as the seventh-most memorable moment of the previous 25 years, highlighting the significant impact of his announcement on public awareness and perception of HIV.
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.
2006: Creation of Sodexo-Magic
In 2006, Magic Johnson created a contract food service with Sodexo USA called Sodexo-Magic.
2006: Endorsement of Phil Angelides
In 2006, Magic Johnson publicly endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California.
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.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
In 2008, Magic Johnson supported Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign.
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.
2010: Endorsement of Barbara Boxer
In 2010, Magic Johnson endorsed Barbara Boxer in her race for re-election to the U.S. Senate.
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.
August 2011: Johnson Regrets Initial Retirement
In August 2011, Magic Johnson stated in an interview that he regretted retiring after being diagnosed with HIV in 1991, noting that if he had known what he knew then, he would not have retired.
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: Endorsement of Barack Obama
In 2012, Magic Johnson endorsed Barack Obama for president.
2012: Launch of Aspire TV Network
In 2012, Magic Johnson launched a cable TV network called Aspire, featuring programming targeted at black audiences.
2013: Endorsement of Wendy Greuel
In 2013, Magic Johnson endorsed and appeared in campaign ads for unsuccessful Los Angeles mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel.
2013: Death of Jerry Buss
In 2013, Magic Johnson's mentor and close friend, Lakers owner Jerry Buss, passed away from cancer. Johnson expressed deep emotion, stating, "Without Dr. Jerry Buss, there is no Magic."
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: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton (Second Campaign)
In 2015, Magic Johnson once again endorsed Hillary Clinton in her second presidential campaign.
August 22, 2016: Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton
On August 22, 2016, Magic Johnson hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
2016: WNBA Championship as Owner
In 2016, Magic Johnson won the WNBA championship as the owner of the Los Angeles Sparks.
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.
2020: Dodgers Win World Series
In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.
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.
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.
October 8, 2025: Named Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rose Parade
On October 8, 2025, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announced that Magic Johnson would be the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rose Parade.
2025: Dodgers Win the World Series
In 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.
2026: Presided over Rose Parade and Participated in Rose Bowl Ceremony
In 2026, Magic Johnson presided over the Rose Parade as Grand Marshal and participated in the pre-game ceremony at the Rose Bowl.
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