Magic Johnson

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Lore & Background

Known for his extraordinary court vision, passing abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most accomplished and influential players in basketball history. He received three NBA Most Valuable Player awards, three NBA Finals MVP awards, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star Game selections. He led the league in regular-season assists four times. Johnson holds the NBA records for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). He also holds the NBA playoffs records for most career assists and triple-doubles. Johnson was the co-captain of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team"), which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson is one of eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. After leaving the NBA in 1991, he formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, and became a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—being enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010. His friendship and rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced in the 1979 NCAA finals and three NBA championship series, are well-documented. Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, as well as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Johnson is a former part-owner of the Lakers and was the team's president of basketball operations in the late 2010s. He is a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, the managing entity of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB). He is part of ownership groups of the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles FC (MLS), the Washington Commanders (NFL), and the Washington Spirit (NWSL). Johnson has won 16 championships during his career: one in college, five as an NBA player, and ten as an owner. In 2025, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the United States. His net worth is estimated at US$1.6 billion by Forbes.

In Their Own Story

After going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, Johnson signed with the Charlotte Hornets for NBA Summer League. On September 5, 2018, he signed with the Orlando Magic, but was waived on October 10. He then played for their G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic. On March 1, 2019, Johnson signed a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He made his NBA debut two days later, putting up 11 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting (3-of-3 three-point shooting), 2 rebounds, and a steal during 19 minutes of action in a 123–118 win over the Chicago Bulls. On March 12, he signed a second 10-day contract. After that expired, he returned to the Lakeland Magic. On April 2, 2019, Johnson signed a rest-of-season contract with the Sacramento Kings, but was waived on July 19. On September 27, 2019, he re-signed with the Orlando Magic for training camp, was waived on October 19, then signed a two-way contract on November 4. On January 4, 2020, playing for Lakeland, he tallied 35 points, eight rebounds and two assists against the Canton Charge. He averaged 22.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game for Lakeland and was named to the All-NBA G League Second Team. On December 4, 2020, he signed with the Miami Heat, but was waived on December 19. He was added to the Long Island Nets roster and made his debut on February 10, 2021. In 14 games, he averaged 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steals in 31.1 minutes per game. On April 19, 2021, he signed with the Brisbane Bullets of the Australian NBL for the remainder of the 2020–21 season. In 11 games, he averaged 10.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game. On October 15, 2021, he signed with the Orlando Magic again, but was waived the next day. On October 28, he re-signed with the Lakeland Magic as an affiliate player, playing 10 games and averaging 24.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 34.5 minutes per game. On December 17, 2021, he signed a 10-day contract with the Orlando Magic, and on January 4, 2022, he was reacquired and activated by Lakeland. On April 6, 2022, he signed with Coosur Real Betis of the Spanish Liga ACB. In June 2026, Johnson signed with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters as the team's import for the 2026 PBA Governors' Cup.

Reader's Guide

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan, to General Motors assembly worker Earvin Sr. and school janitor Christine. Johnson, who had six siblings and three half-siblings by his father's previous marriage, was influenced by his parents' strong work ethic. He came to love basketball as a young man. His favorite basketball player growing up was Bill Russell. He also idolized players such as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes. By the eighth grade, he had become a dominant junior high player. He attended Everett High School after being bused there. Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" at 15, when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists as a sophomore. In his final high school season, he led Everett to a 27–1 record while averaging 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game, and won the state championship. He was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team. Johnson decided to attend Michigan State University after coach Jud Heathcote told him he could play point guard. He averaged 17.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game as a freshman, and led the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA championship, defeating Indiana State and Larry Bird. He was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. After two years in college, he entered the 1979 NBA draft.

Did You Know?

• Magic Johnson holds the NBA records for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35 assists per game).
• He was the co-captain of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, known as the 'Dream Team'.
• Johnson has won 16 championships during his career: one in college, five as an NBA player, and ten as an owner.
• He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.