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 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

1992: Publication of Autobiography

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

My Life

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1996: Selection as one of NBA's 50 Greatest Players

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

1996: Voted as One of the 50 Greatest Players

In 1996, Magic Johnson was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time by the NBA, solidifying his legacy in basketball.

2002: Induction 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.

2004: ESPN's Memorable Moment

In 2004, Johnson's HIV announcement was named 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, asserting that he might be better than Michael Jordan.

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 on-court rivalry and friendship.

When The Game Was Ours

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2010: Hall of Fame Induction as part of the Dream Team

In 2010, Magic Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Dream Team.

August 2011: Regret over Initial Retirement

In an August 2011 interview, Johnson said that in retrospect he wished that he had never retired after being diagnosed with HIV, saying, "If I knew what I know now, I wouldn't have retired."

2019: Received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

At the 2019 NBA Awards, Magic Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, shared with Larry Bird, recognizing their significant contributions to basketball.

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing his enduring impact on the sport.

2022: Ranked Fifth Greatest Player in NBA History

In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th anniversary, The Athletic ranked Magic Johnson as the 5th greatest player in NBA history and the highest-ranked point guard.