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 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

1977: Selection 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.

1979: NBA Draft and Championship with Michigan State

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

1979: NCAA Championship Victory

In 1979, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, defeated Indiana State to win the NCAA Championship. Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

1980: NBA Finals Victory and Finals MVP Award

In 1980, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals and defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. Magic Johnson, as a rookie, played multiple positions in Game 6 due to Abdul-Jabbar's injury, leading the Lakers to victory and earning himself the NBA Finals MVP award.

1982: Start of Double-Double Seasons

During the 1982-83 NBA season, Magic Johnson began his first of nine consecutive double-double seasons.

1982: NBA Championship and Finals MVP Award

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

1982: Named Finals MVP

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

1984: NBA Finals

In 1984, the Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals as part of a series of matchups between the two teams.

1984: Start of 1984-85 Regular Season

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

1985: NBA Finals Victory Over the Celtics

In 1985, Magic Johnson and the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, a series that Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar described as the highlight of their careers.

1985: Double-Double Season

In the 1985-86 NBA season, Magic Johnson again averaged a double-double.

1987: NBA Finals

In 1987, the Lakers and Celtics met again in the NBA Finals as part of a series of matchups between the two teams.

1988: Lakers win NBA Championship

In 1988, Magic Johnson and the Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, securing Johnson's fifth and final NBA championship. Despite missing 10 games with a groin injury in the regular season, Johnson played a pivotal role in the championship series.

1988: Johnson earns MVP award

In the 1988-89 NBA season, Johnson's performance earned him his second MVP award.

1989: Johnson wins third MVP award

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

October 1991: Johnson plays in McDonald's Open in Paris, France

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: Johnson plays for the Dream Team at the Barcelona Summer Olympics

In 1992, Magic Johnson competed in the Barcelona Summer Olympics for the U.S. national team, known as the "Dream Team". The team won the gold medal with an 8–0 record.

1992: All-Star Game Return and Second Retirement

In 1992, Magic Johnson returned to play in the All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again after protests from fellow players.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal with the Dream Team

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 and wins MVP

In 1992, despite his retirement, Magic Johnson was voted as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP award after recording 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds.

1995: Johnson begins intense workouts to help his fight against HIV

During his retirement period, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV. He focused on raising his bench press and increasing his weight.