How Magic Johnson Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Magic Johnson continue to shape the world today.

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

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.

1992: Publication of Autobiography

In 1992, Magic Johnson's autobiography, "Magic Johnson: My Life" was published.

1996: Selection to the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

In 1996, Magic Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.

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.

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.

2002: Enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

2002: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

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

2004: Johnson's HIV announcement named a memorable moment by ESPN

In 2004, Johnson's HIV announcement was recognized as ESPN's seventh-most memorable moment of the previous 25 years.

2006: Rated Greatest Point Guard of All Time

In 2006, ESPN.com rated Magic Johnson the greatest point guard of all time.

2009: Collaborates 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 on-court rivalry and friendship.

2010: Second Enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2010, Magic Johnson received his second enshrinement into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Dream Team.

August 2011: Johnson regrets retiring after HIV diagnosis

In August 2011, Johnson stated in an interview that he regretted retiring after being diagnosed with HIV.

2011: Frontline Interview

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