Magic Johnson Biography

Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959, and is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. Magic Johnson holds the distinction of being considered the top point guard in basketball history and among the most accomplished players ever. Johnson played his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. After winning a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979, he was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers. He retired in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award. Johnson was the co-captain of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Following his departure from the NBA in 1991, Magic Johnson established the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a touring exhibition team that played globally.