Earvin Johnson Jr. changed the game of basketball with a smile that lit up arenas and passes that defied physics. While fans worship him as the leader of the "Showtime" Lakers, his impact extends far beyond the hardwood court. He built a massive business empire by investing in urban communities when no one else would. Furthermore, his courageous announcement regarding his health shifted the global conversation on HIV almost overnight. Prepare to witness the magic behind the man.
Magic Johnson
A simple coin toss decided his entire NBA future. The Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers flipped a coin for the first pick in the 1979 draft. Chicago called heads, but it landed on tails, sending Magic Johnson to Los Angeles instead of the Bulls.
He played center in the NBA Finals as a rookie. When Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suffered an injury in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, the 20-year-old point guard started at center. Consequently, he scored 42 points and won the championship for the Lakers.
His mother originally hated his famous nickname. A sportswriter gave him the name “Magic” after a high school game where he recorded a triple-double. However, his devout Christian mother felt the name sounded blasphemous and sacrilegious.
Magic Johnson owns a massive collection of Burger King franchises. He purchased thirty locations in 2004 to provide jobs in underserved urban neighborhoods. Thus, he used fast food to stimulate economic growth in inner cities.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers wrote a song specifically for him. The track “Magic Johnson” appears on their 1989 album Mother’s Milk. The lyrics celebrate his fast breaks and no-look passes with frantic energy.
He famously brought Starbucks to urban America. He convinced the coffee giant that black communities would buy premium coffee if the menu changed slightly. Therefore, he replaced scones with sweet potato pie and eventually owned over 100 successful stores.
Astonishingly, he is one of only four athletes to become a billionaire. He joined Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods in this exclusive financial club. However, he made most of his wealth through smart investments rather than his playing salary.
He holds the highest assists-per-game average in NBA history. He averaged 11.2 assists over his career, a record that still stands today. This statistic proves he was the ultimate team player who preferred passing to scoring.
Tragically, he retired immediately after testing positive for HIV in 1991. At the time, most people considered the diagnosis a death sentence. Nevertheless, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the MVP award.
He owns equity in four different professional sports teams in Los Angeles. His portfolio includes the Dodgers, the Sparks, and the Los Angeles Football Club. Recently, he expanded his reach by buying a stake in the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson became friends while filming a commercial. The bitter rivals refused to speak to each other until Converse hired them to shoot an ad in French Lick. During a lunch break at Bird’s mother’s house, they finally bonded.
He resigned as the Lakers’ head coach after just sixteen games. In 1994, he tried to lead the team from the sidelines but hated the lack of control. He admitted that he struggled to coach players who did not possess his high basketball IQ.
The “Dream Team” considers him their true captain. While Michael Jordan was the best player, Magic Johnson served as the emotional leader of the 1992 Olympic squad. He kept the massive egos in check and ensured the team played together.
He revolutionized the movie theater experience in black neighborhoods. Magic Johnson Theatres opened in areas that major chains had ignored for decades. Consequently, these cinemas became community hubs and proved that urban areas were profitable markets.
Finally, he has won championships at every single level of basketball. He won a state title in high school, the NCAA championship at Michigan State, five NBA titles, and an Olympic Gold Medal. Few players in history possess such a complete trophy cabinet.
