Basketball / history

Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player and one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Johnson played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons, during which he won five NBA championships and was named the NBA Finals MVP three times. He is also known for his success as a businessman and philanthropist. Born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson grew up in a large family with nine siblings. He attended Everett High School, where he played basketball and led his team to a state championship in his senior year. Johnson then attended Michigan State University, where he played for the Spartans and helped them win the NCAA Championship in 1979. That same year, Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Draft. He quickly became one of the team's star players, alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and helped the Lakers win their first championship in 1980. Johnson was named the NBA Finals MVP for that series, becoming the first rookie in NBA history to win the award. Over the next decade, Johnson established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He was known for his extraordinary passing ability, court vision, and leadership, as well as his scoring and rebounding skills. Johnson was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times (1987, 1989, and 1990) and was selected to the All-NBA First Team nine times. Off the court, Johnson was also successful. He started a business empire that included movie theaters, restaurants, and a clothing line, among other ventures. He also became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention after announcing in 1991 that he had contracted HIV. Johnson retired from basketball that same year but returned to the NBA briefly in 1992 to play in the All-Star Game and again in 1996 for 32 games. After retiring from basketball for good in 1996, Johnson focused on his business ventures and philanthropic work. He has been involved in various community initiatives, including the Magic Johnson Foundation, which promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, and the Magic Johnson Bridgescape program, which helps high school students complete their education. In addition to his successful business and philanthropic careers, Johnson has also been involved in sports broadcasting, owning a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, and serving as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2017 to 2019. In summary, Magic Johnson's life and professional career are a testament to his talent, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a basketball player, he was one of the greatest to ever play the game, and his success off the court has been equally impressive. Through his philanthropic work, he has made a positive impact on countless lives and his legacy as a basketball player and businessman will continue to inspire future generations.