Magic Johnson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Magic Johnson.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a celebrated American businessman and former 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. In 1991, Johnson announced his HIV diagnosis and initially retired, though he made a celebrated return at the 1992 All-Star Game. After further controversy, he retired again before briefly returning to the Lakers in 1996, marking his final stint in the NBA.

Sections (6)

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

1969: Celtics win NBA Finals

In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Celtics won the NBA title, and no team had won consecutive titles since them, until the 1988 Lakers.

1977: McDonald's All-American team selection

In 1977, Magic Johnson was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team, and he played in the Capital Classic.

1979: NCAA Championship Win

In 1979, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, defeated Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, in the NCAA championship game. Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and was selected to the All-American team.

1979: NBA Draft

In 1979, after winning a national championship with Michigan State, Magic Johnson was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1980: NBA Finals Win

In 1980, the Lakers won the NBA Finals.

1980: NBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 1980, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson, reached the NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Johnson started at center in Game 6 due to Abdul-Jabbar's injury and led the Lakers to victory, becoming the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award.

1982: NBA Finals Victory

In 1982, the Lakers, with Magic Johnson, advanced through the playoffs and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals. Johnson won his second NBA Finals MVP award.

1982: Named NBA Finals MVP

In the 1982 NBA Finals, Magic Johnson was named the Finals MVP despite averaging just 16.2 points, which is the lowest average of any Finals MVP award recipient in the three-point shot era.

1984: NBA Finals Series Begins

In 1984, the rivalry between Johnson and Bird reached a climax as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers met in the NBA Finals, intensifying their competition.

1984: Regular Season Performance

In the 1984-85 regular season, Magic Johnson averaged 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game.

1985: Double-Double Season

During the 1985-86 NBA season, Johnson averaged a double-double with 18.8 points and 12.6 assists per game.

1985: NBA Finals Victory Over Celtics

In 1985, the Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, defeated the Boston Celtics in six games in the NBA Finals. The win was considered a career highlight for both players.

1987: Lakers promise to defend NBA title

Before the 1987–88 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that the team would defend the NBA title, even though no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics in 1969.

1987: NBA Finals Series Climax

In 1987, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics' rivalry continued in the NBA Finals, marking a high point in their competitive history.

1988: Lakers win NBA Championship

In 1988, Magic Johnson and the Lakers secured their fifth and final NBA championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in a hard-fought series. Johnson averaged 21.1 points, 13 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in the series.

1989: Johnson wins second MVP award; Lakers lose in NBA Finals

In 1989, Magic Johnson earned his second MVP award with averages of 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game. The Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals but were swept by the Pistons after Johnson suffered a hamstring injury.

1989: Johnson wins third MVP award

In the 1989–90 NBA season, Johnson won his third MVP award, averaging 22.3 points, 11.5 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game.

October 1991: Johnson plays in McDonald's Open

In October 1991, Johnson played with the Lakers in the McDonald's Open in Paris, France, and was named the tournament MVP after helping the Lakers win gold.

1992: Buss Gives Johnson $14 Million Contract

In 1992, Jerry Buss gave Magic Johnson a contract paying him $14 million a year as payback for the years he was not the league's highest-paid player, even after his retirement voided the contract, demonstrating his loyalty and generosity.

1992: Johnson competes in Barcelona Olympics

In 1992, Magic Johnson participated in the Barcelona Summer Olympics as part of the "Dream Team," winning a gold medal with the U.S. national team. He used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive people.

1992: All-Star Game Return

In 1992, Magic Johnson returned to play in the All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Magic Johnson was the co-captain of the United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as "The Dream Team," which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona.

1992: Johnson plays in NBA All-Star Game

In 1992, despite his retirement, Magic Johnson was voted as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game. He led the West to victory and was named All-Star MVP, scoring 25 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.

1996: 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, recognizing his exceptional contributions to basketball.

2002: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

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

2002: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2002, Magic Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, honoring his remarkable career and impact on basketball.

2006: Rated Greatest Point Guard of All Time by ESPN.com

In 2006, ESPN.com rated Magic Johnson as the greatest point guard of all time, acknowledging his superior skills and influence on the game.

2010: Hall of Fame Induction as a Member of the Dream Team

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

2016: WNBA Championship as Owner

In 2016, Magic Johnson won the WNBA championship as the owner of the Los Angeles Sparks.

2019: Receives NBA Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2019, at the NBA Awards, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird jointly received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring their significant contributions to basketball.

2020: Dodgers Win the World Series

In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the World Series.

2021: Selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In 2021, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, further solidifying his place among basketball legends.

2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In 2021, Magic Johnson was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2022: Los Angeles FC Wins the MLS Cup

In 2022, Los Angeles FC, co-owned by Magic Johnson, won the MLS Cup, adding another championship to his sports ownership portfolio.

2022: Named 5th Greatest Player in NBA History by The Athletic

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

2022: Western Conference Finals MVP Trophy Named After Johnson

In 2022, the NBA began awarding MVPs for the conference finals, with the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy named after Magic Johnson, solidifying his lasting impact on the sport.