Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is widely regarded as the greatest point guard in basketball history. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships during their dominant "Showtime" era. Johnson's career was tragically cut short by an HIV diagnosis in 1991, prompting his retirement. He made brief comebacks, playing in the 1992 All-Star game and for the Lakers in 1996. Despite his early retirement, Johnson's impact on basketball remains unmatched, solidifying his legacy as a legend.
August 14, 1959: Birth of Magic Johnson
On August 14, 1959, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, was born.
1969: Celtics' Consecutive Titles
The Boston Celtics achieved consecutive NBA titles in the 1969 NBA Finals, a feat that no team had repeated until then.
1977: High School Success and McDonald's All-American Selection
In 1977, Johnson, already a high school basketball star, was selected to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team.
1978: Michigan State's Tournament Run
In 1978, Johnson led Michigan State to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, where they narrowly lost to the eventual champions.
1978: Start of the Bird-Magic Rivalry
The 1978 NCAA tournament marked the beginning of Johnson's legendary rivalry with Larry Bird.
1979: Joining the Los Angeles Lakers
Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, Johnson joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
1979: Michigan State National Championship and NBA Draft
In 1979, Johnson led Michigan State to a National Championship victory and was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
1979: The Beginning of the Bird-Magic Rivalry
Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird, which began in the 1979 NCAA finals, is a legendary part of basketball history.
1979: Drafted by the Lakers
Magic Johnson's journey with the Lakers began in 1979 when he was drafted by the team, marking the start of a fruitful relationship with Jerry Buss.
1979: The Beginning of the Rivalry: Magic vs. Bird
The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird ignited in 1979 when Johnson's Michigan State Spartans triumphed over Bird's Indiana State Sycamores in the NCAA finals. This clash marked the start of a legendary rivalry that would extend into their NBA careers.
1980: Knee Injury Sidelines Johnson
Early in the 1980-81 season, Johnson suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss a significant portion of the season.
1980: First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 1980, Johnson led the Lakers to an NBA championship victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, earning the Finals MVP award in his rookie season.
1981: Return from Injury and Playoff Disappointment
Johnson returned from injury for the 1981 playoffs but the Lakers were upset in the first round by the Houston Rockets.
1981: Highest-Paying Contract in Sports History
In 1981, Magic Johnson signed a groundbreaking 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers, making it the highest-paying contract in sports history at that time.
1981: Birth of Andre Johnson
In 1981, Magic Johnson became a father for the first time with the birth of his son, Andre Johnson, with Melissa Mitchell.
1982: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
Despite off-court disputes and league-wide criticism, Magic Johnson led the Lakers to victory against the Philadelphia Sixers in the 1982 NBA Finals. He earned his second NBA Finals MVP award after an impressive performance throughout the playoffs.
1982: All-NBA First Team Nomination and Finals Loss
During the 1982-1983 NBA season, Magic Johnson received his first All-NBA First Team nomination. However, the Lakers, plagued by injuries, faced defeat against the Philadelphia Sixers in the Finals, with Moses Malone claiming the Finals MVP title.
1982: Showtime and Magic's Dominance
In 1982, Magic Johnson, known for his captivating "Showtime" style of play, led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory in the NBA Finals, earning the Finals MVP award despite averaging a relatively modest 16.2 points per game. This achievement highlighted Johnson's exceptional ability to control the game, distribute the ball, and elevate his teammates, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant and innovative players in NBA history.
1984: From Rivals to Friends: A Converse Commercial
Despite their intense on-court rivalry, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird forged a close friendship in 1984 while filming a Converse shoe advertisement. The commercial, which portrayed them as rivals, ironically brought them closer together, highlighting their mutual respect and shared love for basketball.
1984: Regular Season Performance
In the 1984-1985 regular season, Magic Johnson delivered an impressive performance, averaging 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game.
1984: Lakers vs. Celtics: An NBA Rivalry Ignited
The rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird reached new heights in the NBA when the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics faced off in the NBA Finals for three out of four years, from 1984 to 1987. This period intensified their on-court competition, captivating fans across the league.
1985: NBA Championship and Finals Victory
In 1985, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, triumphed over the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. This victory marked a significant milestone in the careers of Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1985: Continued Double-Double Season
Magic Johnson continued to deliver double-double performances throughout the 1985-1986 NBA season, showcasing his consistency on the court.
1987: Coach Pat Riley's Promise
Before the 1987-1988 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley made a bold promise to defend their NBA title, a feat not accomplished since the Celtics' victories in 1969.
1987: The Climax of a Rivalry: Lakers vs. Celtics
In 1987, the NBA Finals once again featured a clash between the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, and the Boston Celtics, with Larry Bird at the helm. This marked the third time in four years that these two powerhouse teams, and their respective star players, battled for the championship, solidifying their rivalry as one of the greatest in NBA history.
1988: NBA Championship and Finals Victory
In 1988, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, faced the Detroit Pistons, known as the "Bad Boys" for their aggressive playing style, in the NBA Finals. James Worthy secured his first career triple-double and led the team to a 108-105 victory in a closely contested Game 7.
1988: Second MVP Award
Magic Johnson's outstanding performance in the 1988-1989 NBA season, averaging 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game, earned him his second MVP award.
1989: Third MVP Award
In the 1989-1990 NBA season, Magic Johnson secured his third MVP award after a remarkable season without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1989: Finals Loss Against the Pistons
In 1989, the Lakers faced the Detroit Pistons once again in the NBA Finals. However, Johnson's hamstring injury in Game 2 proved to be a significant setback, leading to a 4-0 sweep by the Pistons.
1989: Red Hot Chili Peppers Pay Tribute with "Magic Johnson"
In a testament to Magic Johnson's cultural impact, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released a song titled "Magic Johnson" on their 1989 album, "Mother's Milk". This tribute highlighted Johnson's influence that extended beyond the basketball court, capturing the admiration and inspiration he evoked in the music world.
1990: Early Playoff Elimination and Coaching Change
The Lakers faced an unexpected early elimination in the 1990 Western Conference semifinals, marking their earliest playoff exit in nine years. This led to Mike Dunleavy becoming the Lakers' head coach for the 1990-1991 season.
1990: Investment in PepsiCo Bottling Operation
In 1990, Magic Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. made a significant investment in a PepsiCo bottling operation in Washington, D.C., contributing to its status as a major minority-owned facility.
November 7, 1991: Announcement of Retirement and HIV Diagnosis
In a momentous press conference on November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson publicly announced his immediate retirement from basketball after being diagnosed with HIV. He shared that his wife, Cookie, and their unborn child were not infected and expressed his dedication to fighting the disease.
November 1991: Announcement of HIV Status and Foundation Launch
After announcing his HIV-positive status in November 1991, Johnson established the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat the disease.
1991: Formation of the Magic Johnson All-Stars
Following his retirement from the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a team that played exhibition games worldwide.
1991: Magic Johnson's First Retirement
In 1991, Johnson shocked the world by announcing his retirement from the NBA after revealing his HIV diagnosis.
1991: Magic Johnson Marries Cookie Kelly
In 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in an intimate ceremony held in Lansing, Michigan. The wedding was attended by close friends and family, including former teammates Isiah Thomas, Mark Aguirre, and Herb Williams.
1991: Johnson Announces HIV Diagnosis
In a display of unwavering support, Jerry Buss stood by Magic Johnson when he publicly revealed his HIV diagnosis in 1991.
1991: Finals Loss Against Michael Jordan's Bulls
The 1991 NBA Finals saw a highly anticipated matchup between the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, and the Chicago Bulls, spearheaded by the rising star Michael Jordan. The Bulls, with their superior performance, clinched a 4-1 victory, marking the end of Johnson's final championship series.
1992: All-Star Game Comeback and Second Retirement
Johnson returned to basketball for the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP award. However, facing concerns from other players, he retired again shortly after.
1992: Buss Offers Johnson a Lucrative Contract
Recognizing Johnson's immense contributions, Jerry Buss offered him a generous contract in 1992, highlighting his respect for Johnson's talent and loyalty.
1992: 1992 Summer Olympics - Dream Team
Magic Johnson was selected to play for the U.S. national team, known as the 'Dream Team,' in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. The team, which included NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, dominated the competition, winning the gold medal with an 8–0 record. Johnson averaged 8.0 points and 5.5 assists per game, despite dealing with knee problems. His participation inspired many HIV-positive individuals.
1992: Release of "Magic Johnson: My Life"
Johnson's autobiography, "Magic Johnson: My Life," was published in 1992.
1992: Honoring a Friend: Magic at Bird's Retirement
In 1992, Magic Johnson demonstrated the depth of his friendship with Larry Bird by attending Bird's retirement ceremony. Johnson's heartfelt words, describing Bird as a "friend forever," underscored the enduring bond they had formed over the years, transcending their on-court rivalry.
1992: 1992 NBA All-Star Game
In 1992, despite having retired, Magic Johnson was voted by fans to be a starter for the NBA All-Star Game held at Orlando Arena. Controversy arose as some players were concerned about the risk of HIV transmission if Johnson were to sustain an open wound. Nevertheless, Johnson led the Western Conference team to a 153–113 victory, scoring 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds, and was named All-Star MVP.
1992: A Midsummer Night's Magic Charity Event
In 1992, Magic Johnson's charity event 'A Midsummer Night's Magic' raised over $1.3 million for the United Negro College Fund. This annual event, which Johnson started in 1985, included a celebrity basketball game and a black-tie dinner. The 1992 event was particularly significant as it followed Johnson's participation in the Olympics, and he teamed up with Shaquille O'Neal and Spike Lee to lead the blue team to victory.
1992: Announces NBA Comeback
In 1992, Magic Johnson announced his plan to return to the NBA for the 1992-93 season, following his retirement after being diagnosed with HIV. He participated in pre-season games but chose to retire again before the regular season started due to controversy and opposition from other players. Johnson later expressed regret about retiring in the first place, wishing he had continued his career.
1992: Joining and Leaving the National Commission on AIDS
In 1992, Johnson joined the National Commission on AIDS but resigned after eight months, citing the White House's disregard for the commission's work and recommendations.
1993: Becomes Lakers' Coach
In 1993, Magic Johnson returned to the NBA as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, replacing Randy Pfund and Bill Bertka. Johnson took over the team with a 28-38 record and led them to a 5-11 finish. Although his coaching stint was brief and challenging, Johnson accepted the role at the urging of Lakers' owner Jerry Buss. He resigned after the season ended, stating that coaching was never his dream.
June 1994: Purchases Share of the Lakers
In June 1994, after concluding his brief coaching career, Magic Johnson purchased a 5% share in the Los Angeles Lakers. This decision marked a significant shift in his post-playing career, moving from on-court action to team ownership and business ventures.
1994: Johnson Becomes Head Coach of the Lakers
At the request of Jerry Buss, Magic Johnson took on the challenging role of head coach for the Lakers in 1994, showcasing his dedication to the team.
1994: Johnson Becomes Minority Owner of the Lakers
Further solidifying his connection to the Lakers, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the team in 1994, signifying his belief in the organization's future.
1994: Formation of the Magic Johnson All-Stars
In 1994, after retiring from the NBA, Magic Johnson, determined to continue playing basketball competitively, established the Magic Johnson All-Stars. The team, composed of former NBA and college players, embarked on a global tour, showcasing their skills in various countries including Australia, Israel, South America, Europe, New Zealand, and Japan.
1994: Jud Heathcote's Retirement
Jud Heathcote retired as coach of the Michigan State Spartans in 1994.
1994: Johnson Becomes Part-Owner of the Lakers
Strengthening their bond, Jerry Buss sold Magic Johnson a stake in the Lakers in 1994, reflecting their deep trust and shared vision for the team.
June 8, 1995: The Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game
On June 8, 1995, Johnson participated in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game, scoring 39 points.
1995: Magic and Cookie Johnson Adopt a Daughter
In 1995, Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, expanded their family by adopting a daughter, Elisa. This act of love and commitment added another dimension to their family life.
1995: Magic Johnson's Return to Lansing for Jud Heathcoate
In 1995, Magic Johnson participated in a celebrity basketball game in Lansing, Michigan, to honor coach Jud Heathcoate. This marked a special occasion as it was one of Johnson's first public basketball appearances in his hometown since his retirement from the NBA.
January 29, 1996: 1996 NBA Comeback
On January 29, 1996, Magic Johnson officially returned to the NBA, rejoining the Los Angeles Lakers. The next day, he made a triumphant return against the Golden State Warriors, coming off the bench to score 19 points, grab 8 rebounds, and dish out 10 assists, helping the Lakers to a 128-118 victory.
1996: Magic Johnson All-Stars' Undefeated Streak
By 1996, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had achieved an impressive undefeated record of 55-0, with Johnson commanding a remarkable fee of $365,000 per game. This success solidified Johnson's enduring popularity and influence in the basketball world, even after his official retirement from the NBA.
1996: Brief Return to the Lakers
In 1996, Johnson made a brief comeback with the Lakers at 36 years old, playing 32 games before his final retirement.
1996: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
In 1996, Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1996: Final Retirement
In 1996, after the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets, Magic Johnson decided to retire permanently. Initially expressing a desire to return for the following season or join another team, Johnson ultimately chose to retire on his own terms, something he couldn't do during his previous retirement in 1992.
1996: Magic Johnson: Among the 50 Greatest Players
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to basketball, Magic Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time by the NBA in 1996. This prestigious accolade cemented his place among the sport's legends, solidifying his lasting impact on the game.
1997: Magic Johnson Entertainment Signs Deal with Fox
Expanding his horizons, Magic Johnson ventured into entertainment in 1997 when his production company secured a deal with Fox, marking his foray into a new industry.
1998: "The Magic Hour" Talk Show Launch and Cancellation
Magic Johnson's foray into late-night television in 1998 with "The Magic Hour" on Fox was short-lived, as the show faced cancellation after two months due to low ratings.
1999: Magic Johnson Joins M7 Borås
In 1999, Magic Johnson expanded his basketball career internationally, joining the Swedish team M7 Borås. During his time with the team, they remained undefeated for five games, showcasing Johnson's enduring talent. He also became a co-owner of the club; however, the venture faced challenges and ultimately underwent reconstruction after one season.
1999: Speaker at UN World AIDS Day Conference
Johnson served as the main speaker for the United Nations World AIDS Day Conference in 1999, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS on a global platform.
2000: Launch of Magic Johnson Music
In 2000, Magic Johnson established his own record label, Magic Johnson Music, demonstrating his passion for music and nurturing new talents.
November 2001: Magic Johnson Plays Against Alma Mater
In a highly anticipated event in November 2001, Magic Johnson, at 42 years old, took to the court with his Magic Johnson All-Stars to face his alma mater, Michigan State University. Despite recording a triple-double and playing the entire game, Johnson's team narrowly lost to the Spartans.
November 1, 2002: Magic Johnson Returns to Lansing
On November 1, 2002, Magic Johnson returned to his hometown of Lansing, Michigan, to play an exhibition basketball game against Michigan State University. Playing for the Canberra Cannons, Johnson's team emerged victorious with a score of 104-85. Johnson himself contributed 12 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds to the win.
2002: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2002, Magic Johnson received one of basketball's highest honors with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrated his exceptional career, his impact on the game, and his enduring legacy as a basketball icon.
2002: First Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his individual career in 2002.
2004: ESPN's Memorable Moment
In 2004, ESPN recognized Magic Johnson's HIV announcement in 1991 as the seventh most memorable moment of the past 25 years, underscoring its profound impact on the sports world and beyond.
2004: Sale of Magic Johnson Theaters
In 2004, Magic Johnson made the business decision to sell Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment, marking a shift in his investment portfolio.
2005: Purchase of Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
From 2005 to 2007, Magic Johnson was part of a syndicate that purchased and transformed the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower in Brooklyn into luxury condominiums.
2006: Creation of Sodexo-Magic Food Service
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Magic Johnson partnered with Sodexo USA to launch Sodexo-Magic in 2006, a contract food service aiming to provide quality meals.
2006: ESPN.com Crowns Magic Johnson the Greatest Point Guard
In 2006, ESPN.com bestowed upon Magic Johnson the title of the greatest point guard of all time. This accolade recognized Johnson's unparalleled court vision, passing skills, and ability to elevate his teammates, solidifying his place as a legend in the annals of basketball history.
2006: Endorsement of Phil Angelides
Johnson publicly endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California in 2006, marking his engagement in political endorsements.
2007: Completion of Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower Conversion
The ambitious project of converting the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower into luxury condominiums was completed in 2007, marking a significant achievement in urban redevelopment.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
Johnson showed his support for Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign.
2008: Johnson Joins ESPN's "NBA Countdown"
Returning to basketball analysis in 2008, Magic Johnson brought his expertise to ESPN's "NBA Countdown" as a studio analyst, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
2009: When the Game Was Ours: A Collaboration
In 2009, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a book titled "When the Game Was Ours". The book provided an intimate look into their legendary rivalry, their enduring friendship, and their shared impact on the world of basketball.
October 2010: Johnson Sells Ownership Stake in the Lakers
In October 2010, Magic Johnson made the decision to sell his ownership stake in the Lakers to Patrick Soon-Shiong, marking a transition in his involvement with the team.
2010: Endorsement of Barbara Boxer
Johnson endorsed Barbara Boxer in her 2010 race for re-election to the U.S. Senate.
2010: Magic Johnson Plays Basketball with President Barack Obama
In 2010, Magic Johnson participated in a special basketball game organized for President Barack Obama's 49th birthday. The game, held at Fort McNair, included other current and former NBA players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Bill Russell, as well as WNBA star Maya Moore, and was a gesture of appreciation for a group of military troops injured in action.
2010: Closure of the First Magic Johnson Theater
A significant event occurred in 2010 with the closure of the first Magic Johnson Theater in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, symbolizing the evolving landscape of the movie theater industry.
2010: Second Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction
In 2010, Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame again, this time as a member of the "Dream Team."
August 2011: Reflects on Retirement Decision
In August 2011, during an interview, Magic Johnson reflected on his decision to retire after his HIV diagnosis. He revealed that he regretted his retirement, believing that he could have continued to play if he had known then what he knows now. He mentioned that his teammates' concerns about his return influenced his decision to retire again in 1992.
2011: Reopening of the First Magic Johnson Theater
A year after its closure, the first Magic Johnson Theater in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza reopened as Rave Cinema 15 in 2011, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the entertainment industry.
2011: Interview with Frontline
In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Johnson discussed the influence of AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser, who encouraged him to publicly disclose his HIV status.
January 2012: Johnson Joins Bid for Los Angeles Dodgers
Venturing into the world of baseball, Magic Johnson joined a bid for ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2012, signaling his interest in expanding his sports portfolio.
March 2012: Johnson's Group Wins Bid for Los Angeles Dodgers
Success in the bidding process came in March 2012, as Magic Johnson's group emerged victorious, securing ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers and marking a significant milestone in his career.
2012: Launch of Aspire TV Network
Expanding his media ventures, Magic Johnson launched the Aspire TV network in 2012, catering to Black audiences and aiming to provide diverse programming.
2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama
Johnson endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2012.
2013: Endorsement of Wendy Greuel
In 2013, Johnson endorsed and appeared in campaign ads for Wendy Greuel, an unsuccessful Los Angeles mayoral candidate.
2013: Death of Jerry Buss
In 2013, Magic Johnson was deeply saddened by the passing of Lakers owner Jerry Buss, whom he considered a father figure.
2014: Johnson and Guber Sell Stake in Dayton Dragons
In 2014, Magic Johnson and Peter Guber made the decision to sell their ownership stake in the Dayton Dragons, a minor league baseball team, marking a strategic move in their investment portfolio.
2015: Acquisition of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company
Expanding his business empire, Magic Johnson completed a major acquisition in 2015, gaining control of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, a significant player in the financial services sector.
2015: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton's Second Presidential Campaign
Johnson continued his support for Hillary Clinton by endorsing her in her second presidential campaign in 2015.
August 22, 2016: Fundraiser for Hillary Clinton
On August 22, 2016, Johnson hosted a fundraiser to support Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, highlighting his active involvement in politics.
2016: Los Angeles Sparks Win WNBA Championship
Adding to his list of accomplishments as a sports team owner, Magic Johnson celebrated a WNBA championship in 2016 with the victory of the Los Angeles Sparks.
February 2017: Johnson Returns to the Lakers as Advisor
Demonstrating his enduring commitment to the Lakers, Magic Johnson rejoined the organization as an advisor to Jeanie Buss in February 2017, lending his expertise and guidance.
February 21, 2017: Magic Johnson Becomes President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers
On February 21, 2017, Magic Johnson returned to the Los Angeles Lakers, this time in an executive role as the president of basketball operations. His return brought a wave of excitement and anticipation as fans hoped he could lead the franchise back to its former glory.
2018: Los Angeles FC Begins Play in MLS
Expanding his presence in professional sports, Magic Johnson co-founded Los Angeles FC, a Major League Soccer expansion franchise, which began competing in 2018.
2018: LeBron James Joins the Lakers
In a significant move orchestrated under Magic Johnson's leadership as president of basketball operations, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a four-year contract with free agent LeBron James in 2018. This high-profile acquisition generated immense excitement and raised expectations for the franchise's future.
April 9, 2019: Magic Johnson Steps Down as Lakers President
On April 9, 2019, Magic Johnson announced his resignation from his position as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations in an unexpected news conference. Johnson cited his desire to return to his role as an NBA ambassador as the primary reason for his departure.
2019: NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
At the 2019 NBA Awards, Magic Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor he shared with his longtime rival and friend, Larry Bird. This prestigious award celebrated their remarkable careers, their impact on the sport, and their enduring contributions to basketball.
2020: Dodgers Win the World Series
Under the ownership of Magic Johnson's group, the Los Angeles Dodgers achieved a historic victory in 2020, clinching the World Series title and bringing joy to the team's fans.
2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Honoring Magic Johnson: NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, as part of the NBA's 75th-anniversary celebration, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, a testament to his enduring legacy and influence on the sport. This recognition further solidified his status as one of the most iconic and impactful players in basketball history.
2022: Unsuccessful Bid for Denver Broncos
In 2022, Johnson participated in an unsuccessful bid to purchase the Denver Broncos, demonstrating his continued interest in sports team ownership.
2022: The Athletic Ranks Magic Johnson 5th Greatest NBA Player
In 2022, commemorating the NBA's 75th anniversary, The Athletic ranked the top 75 players of all time, placing Magic Johnson as the 5th greatest player in NBA history and the highest-ranked point guard. This recognition further solidified Johnson's place among the elite players to ever grace the court, highlighting his exceptional skills, impact on the game, and enduring legacy.
2022: Los Angeles FC Wins MLS Cup
Under the co-ownership of Magic Johnson, Los Angeles FC achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by winning the MLS Cup, solidifying the team's presence in the league.
2023: Johnson Becomes a Billionaire
According to Forbes, Magic Johnson reached billionaire status in 2023, a testament to his extraordinary business acumen and entrepreneurial success.
2023: Investment in Washington Commanders
In 2023, Johnson made a significant investment of $240 million as part of a group that purchased the Washington Commanders NFL team for a record-breaking $6.05 billion. This marked a significant achievement in his business career.