Magic Johnson

Birth Name:

Earvin Johnson

Birth Place:

Lansing, Michigan, United States

Profession

Actor, Producer

Founded the Magic Johnson Foundation to focus on HIV/AIDS initiatives, scholarship programs and community empowerment centers
In 2002, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame
Was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history
Won five championships in nine tries and three most valuable player awards over the course of his NBA career
Though he was recruited by some of the biggest basketball superpowers in the U․S․, he chose to attend Michigan State so he could stay close to home
Earned his nickname during his attention-drawing high school career at Everett High School in East Lansing, Mich
Was the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft and led the Lakers to the NBA championships in his first season
In the 1980s, he was the captain of the Showtime, the Lakers' high-scoring, fast-paced offense
Opened Magic Johnson Enterprises, which operates AMC Magic Johnson Theatres, Starbucks Coffee outlets, Burger King restaurants and 24-Hour Fitness/Magic Johnson Sport health clubs
Became the owner of nearly a 5% share of the Lakers

Fast Facts