Magic Johnson Draft Selection (1979)
The legendary point guard who redefined basketball with his vision and leadership, leading the Lakers to five NBA championships.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time and one of the greatest basketball players in history. Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers, then led the team to five NBA championships during their "Showtime" era.
- Draft Year
- 1979
- Overall Pick
- 1st
- Position
- Point Guard
- College
- Michigan State University
- Immediate Impact
- NBA Champion (Rookie Season)
- Career Highlights
- 5x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 3x Regular Season MVP
Lore & Background
Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. He retired again after fellow players protested his return, but returned in 1996, at age 36, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. He holds the NBA records for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). 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.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Spectrum was thick with humidity and the metallic tang of anxiety as the 1978-79 season sputtered toward its end. The Lakers were a fractured identity, haunted by near-misses and the shadow of their Minneapolis past. Then came June 25th. When David Stern stepped to the podium in New York City and announced 'Earvin Johnson,' the collective sigh in Los Angeles instantly erupted into a roar that seemed to shake the city's foundations. In his very first practice, the rookie from East Lansing didn't just run drills; he conducted chaos with a grin, threading no-look passes through traffic that left grizzled veterans like Jamaal Wilkes staring at him in disbelief. By Christmas, the skepticism had evaporated, replaced by a city-wide electric hum: something magical was finally happening in the City of Angels.
Reader's Guide
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. Since his retirement, he has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, as well as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. He is a former part-owner of the Lakers and was the team's president of basketball operations in the late 2010s. In 2025, Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Did You Know?
- Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" at age 15 after recording a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists as a sophomore at Everett High School.
- He won five NBA championships with the Lakers during their "Showtime" era.
- Johnson holds the NBA record for average assists per game in the regular season (11.19) and in the playoffs (12.35).
- He is one of a select group of players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown (NCAA championship, NBA championship, Olympic gold medal).
- As of May 2026, his net worth is estimated at US$1.6 billion by Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which player did the Lakers select with the number one pick in 1979?
Earvin Johnson was chosen by Los Angeles as the top prospect from Michigan State University during this event. His arrival signaled a major shift in momentum for the organization.
What position was listed for Magic Johnson upon his entry into the NBA?
He entered the league officially as a point guard, despite possessing unique physical attributes for that role. This versatility allowed him to control the offense while utilizing his height advantage effectively.
How quickly did Magic Johnson achieve success with his new team?
He led the Lakers to an NBA title just months after winning a national championship at Michigan State. This immediate triumph included earning the Finals MVP award during that inaugural campaign.
What are the major career achievements associated with this draft selection?
Over his tenure, he secured five NBA titles while playing for Los Angeles. These victories cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
How did selecting Magic Johnson change the trajectory of the franchise?
This move revitalized a franchise that had lost its way and launched an era of unprecedented success. It set the stage for decades of dominance in professional basketball.
More in Club History & Eras
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