Magic Johnson, a legendary NBA player, retired from the NBA at his peak in 1992. Despite his retirement, fans voted him as a starter for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game at Orlando Arena. Despite his former teammates Byron Scott and A.C. Green arguing that Johnson should not play, Johnson was voted by fans as a starter. He was a 12-time All-Star and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team.
Johnson played as a Point Guard, Shooting Guard, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft. On February 9, 1992, he was met with a standing ovation from fans and his friend Isiah. Johnson was HIV-positive and came out of retirement to become NBA All-Star Game MVP in Orlando 25 years ago. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships and was a part of the Orlando Magic, which became “Magic-J” after being enfranchised in 1989.
Johnson played for the Lakers from 1979-80 to 1990-91 and in 1995-96. Since the Magic 30 for 30 team had their inaugural season in 1990 before Magic retired, Johnson would have joined the Orlando Magic to move out from L.A. Lakers. After a 25-point, nine-assist performance in Orlando, Johnson was named the game’s MVP. Later that year, he was a member of the 1992 United States gold team.
In summary, Magic Johnson, an HIV-positive NBA player, played for the Orlando Magic from 1979-80 to 1995-96. His retirement marked a significant moment in the history of the NBA and the role of the Orlando Magic in the NBA.
📹 Top 10 Magic Johnson Plays
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How tall was Magic Johnson at 15?
Magic Johnson, a taller player than the average middle-schooler, was a key player in the NBA. He was nearly 6’6″ by high school, making him a formidable opponent. His physical development and developing skills made him a great opponent, and by age 15, he was gaining national attention as a top prospect. Johnson recalled his challenges at Everett High School, where teammates didn’t want to pass him the ball. However, sports brought these kids closer as a team, eventually winning a state championship, which laid the foundation for Magic’s standing among NBA veterans for generations.
Did Magic Johnson play with MJ?
Johnson explains that convincing Jordan to join the Magic team was challenging due to his gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Magic prepared a speech, promising Jordan to hang out every night and play cards together. Jordan gave his blessing for Johnson to join the squad. Magic also appealed to Larry Bird, who was dealing with a back injury, by highlighting the opportunity for their kids to see them play in the Olympics.
Who did Magic Johnson play in his first championship?
In the 1980 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious in Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), sustained a sprained ankle during the course of the game. At the time, the only remaining centers were Jim Chones and Mark Landsberger. In one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history, Magic Johnson assumed the role of center, replacing his usual position as point guard.
When did Magic Johnson play his last game?
Magic Johnson, a former Lakers player, retired after playing in his final game with the team. He had a career average of 19. 5 points, 11. 2 assists, 7. 2 rebounds, and 1. 9 steals per game. Johnson also ranked second in NBA history with 138 triple doubles, trailing Oscar Robertson’s total of 181. He won five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and 11 All-Star selections, and earned a Gold Medal as part of Team USA in the 1992 Olympics.
Were Magic and Bird enemies?
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were All-American teammates for five days at the 1978 World Invitational Tournament. They quickly became college stars, professional rivals, and close friends. In 2020, they released a book together, “When The Game Was Ours”, a compelling portrait of the two giants that became a bestseller. The duo’s lore continues to grow, with engraved signature displays and a framed signature display available.
Who’s better, magic or bird?
Magic’s regular season stats are impressive but not significantly different from Larry Bird’s, with Bird scoring 24. 3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6. 3 assists per game. However, Magic’s playoff stats are better, with Magic delivering one more assist and picking 0. 5 more rebounds per game. This performance is why he has two more championships over Bird.
Bird, a conventional small forward, was a tall player who played closer to the rim, focused on rebounding, and rarely dribbled. Magic, on the other hand, revolutionized the point guard position and the game itself. He was a tall all-around point guard who handled the ball with great talent, passing it perfectly, taking it to the rim, and rebounding. Magic also transformed the game from a solid half-court game to one played on a full court, on the run, and above the rim.
Bird played with a group of players whose collective talent was no match for Magic’s teammates, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, a No. 1 draft pick, three-time NBA champion, and one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
What age did Magic Johnson stop playing?
In 1996, Magic Johnson, then aged 36, retired from the National Basketball Association (NBA). Four years later, he demonstrated his continued proficiency in the sport he had previously dominated, as evidenced by the resurfacing of a video of him playing for a Swedish team called Magic M7. At the age of 40, Johnson demonstrated his continued proficiency in the sport by participating in a five-game series with the aforementioned team.
Why did Magic retire?
Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 due to his HIV diagnosis. The Lakers saw their star playing during his prime, a sudden twist that had taken the NBA by storm. Johnson was never the same away from basketball, dealing with a new world and a changed perspective on life. Despite not playing, he missed the game for years before the status quo changed. On January 30, 1996, Johnson played his first official game since coming out of retirement, in front of a jam-packed crowd at the Great Western Forum.
How many teams did Magic Johnson play for?
Magic Johnson, a 13-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, achieved numerous accomplishments. He won five championships and three MVP awards, revolutionizing the game. Johnson was a 12-time All-Star and nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team. He surpassed Robertson’s career assists record, later relinquished to John Stockton. Johnson also won a gold medal with the original Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
What age did Magic retire?
Evan “Magic” Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is often considered the greatest point guard of all time and spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. 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, leading them to five NBA championships during their “Showtime” era.
Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. After protests against his return, he retired again for four years, but returned in 1996 at age 36 to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
Known for his extraordinary court vision, passing abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most dominant players of his era. His career achievements include three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star games selections. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Johnson was co-captain of the 1992 United States men’s Olympic basketball team, “The Dream Team”, which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Who is best Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan?
Jordan demonstrated proficiency in a multitude of areas, including scoring, shooting, defensive play, and leadership. Conversely, Magic exhibited superior skills in passing and rebounding.
📹 Rookie Magic Johnson Full Game 6 Highlights vs 76ers (1980 NBA Finals) – 42 Pts, 15 Reb, FINALS MVP!
Rookie Magic Johnson 42 Pts 15 reb 7 ast Full Game Highlights | Los Angeles Lakers vs Philadelphia 76ers – Game 6 | 1980 NBA …
And that Round-Ball Fans and Regular Folk just here to be Thourughly Entertained by the Antics and Professional Basketball Skills of EARVIN “MAGIC”JOHNSON Is the reason I say and Believe there’s no such thing GreatestOfAllTime or G.O.A.T. In Sports as long as The Sport still exist or is still being played with New and Up and Coming Athletes.Its Impossible.Once a Sport or Competition No Longer Exists than We can go back and Decide who is The Greatest of All Time.Im here to watch the Famously Magical Look-Away Passes in a Professional Competitive Sport.Now here’s an example.MAGIC JOHNSON Is The Greatest Look-Away Passer of All Time in Professional Basketball,Because We haven’t Seen it and will never see it Perfected Consistently as MAGIC Did.No Play on Words Intended.Just Facts.Love&Peace😁😎 luv ya byo eJ
His parents didn’t name him “Magic,” that was his consensus nickname. Took opponents out of their shorts so quickly people would complain about the slow motion playback. 6’9″ and plays all five positions well and he’s smiling at you the whole time. The opposition can’t ‘match up with him. He shot and dribbled like a guard, and played the post as well as any power forward or center.
No question Magic was great and so were the Showtime Lakers. However,that team absolutely underachieved! From 1980-1988 they were easily the most talented team in the nba! The only teams that were “better”than the Lakers were the Moses Malone 76ers in 83 and the 86 Celtics! Also I Magic fans don’t like to hear this…..but He wasn’t the lead dog in 80,82,and 85! Kareem was
One of most overrated ever. Good rebounder, Good handler, great passer, great IQ, poor Defender, poor shooter, great selling plays “pseudo” no looking passing, great players around, running team, poor Western Conf, KAREEM, WORTHY, ECT. made him great. EASLY pick stockton before him to my team. Ps : to clever, to pseudo catolic, still to selling himself as a great person in real life for me.
OK, I love Magic Johnson and all and this Top 10 is pretty solid. But for the love of God, PLEASE stop putting number 6 on ANY list where he threw up a totally wild shot that hit high off the backboard and somehow went in. That was pure ass luck and everybody including Magic knows it. But the true insult came where he claimed he “practiced” that shot all the time. That’s a total crock of shit. He lucked out and leave it at that but it should NEVER be considered some great play. Ditto with that full court shot against the Nuggets. Give me a break. There’s plenty of other great Magic moments to put in his Top 10 but these two are absolutely not worthy of them. It’s insulting to true fans of the sport.
Would he been able to win in Chicago had they won the toss in 79? Because he literally lucked into the ideal situation having Kareem Abdul Jabbar already in place. Because if the Lakers lost that coin flip, they would’ve had David Greenwood instead. Yep MJ and Magic Johnson in an alternative universe could’ve been in the same backcourt and teammates in 1984.
When I was 10 years old I got an exchange card in a pack of basketball cards for an autographed magic johnson/ larry bird card. Nobody helped me mail it in and it went past the date. I was mad so I gave the exchange card to my cousin. It was worth 500 dollars for just the exchange card. Wonder how much the actual autographed magic johnson/larry bird card would be worth today.
play of the year for a behind the back pass? damn that era sounds sad nothing out of those play impressed me compare to todays nba thats a pick up game not hating tho hes the best pg his stats are crazy but those are everyday moves in todays nba crazy to see some moves that were once spectacular be a regular move now players got way better
Magic was a offensive Genius he could play both ends of the court with ease Now he had various arsenals offensively 6ft 9″ inches of pure power over and above the normal guards height meaning that your Best power forward had to cover him …Big mistake he can freeze 🥶 players in motion taking them out of play find the mid match or open player 2) he can shoot the long one or drive or pull the defenses to play him were ever magic wanted them …..it’s show time no fast break on earth 🌎 new what was going on until chick told them it’s over his team mates had great chemistry ⚛️ getting to open position on the floor waiting and looking for the assist Wow if you missed the game you missed out on the Greatest Lakers Teams ever organized the eggs 🥚 are chillin 😎 and the Butter is getting hard
Magic is not only one of NBAs best ball handlers but he is actually one of the nicest players off the court as well which is really special …he is the type of guy that if he knew you were in financial trouble Magic going to show up for you he just seems like that guy ..which is why he is my favorite NBA player over jorden ..jorden is not that nice I never liked him he is very nasty to other players which is unnecessary
Because Michael Jordan is known as the greatest player in players like LeBron James Kobe Bryant and other players get a lot of recognition I’m not saying Magic Johnson is underrated but he certainly isn’t overrated what I’m saying is Magic Johnson is could be the greatest player of all time depend on who you ask he’s got championships he’s got a lot of points he did a lot of things changed the way people played the game he is a all-time great player in my opinion some people say he’s the top five but others a lot of people that I talked to don’t necessarily think of him as the all-time great but I do
I still think Magic Johnson is the best all around player ever in basketball – – there are better scorers – there are better defenders, but if I had a first pick to lead a team it would be Magic, he could do everything and made every player on the team better. Basketball was a chessboard for him and he knew where every player was at all times and what to do next. Jordan, or Bird would take the last shot for me to win a game, and Magic might not have the most points at the end of the night, but he was still the best player on the court (scary thought).
First I’m going to talk about number one. Magic using that hook shot I remember when he started using it and the announcers saying he using that hook shot more than Kareem now lol. He never would miss when he did it.. But number eight is actually my favorite I would never forget it if this is the same game when he shot that three pointer from 88 ft doing halftime and they went on and won the game by guess what.. three points. Now if this is the same game the killer part of it was when he made the shot the guys came up slapping on it shaking his hand and all .but magic had the expression on his face like it was nothing like oh it was just a regular shot 🤣.
The big difference of M Johnson from other players is he played team-game that is why even if he can shoot the ball because he has already an open way to shoot, he find an open man among his team mate and pass the ball leading to a score for the other. Had he been like other player that they always shoot because they can do it like Jordan who leap high or Kobe, M Johnson could garner very high score per game but he is not that kind of guy.
Idk it’s like bro I know it’s like magic and he’s a legend and all that but this time period he was playing school janitors that happened to be tall it wasn’t as much comp to me as it was in the 90s I guess like u could go to any inner city up north and pick a tall black dude get em in shape and they coulda been a magic but yea
Folks really don’t understand…if Magic was somewhere like Atlanta or Kansas City (yes, the Kings were in Kansas City in 1979-80) or San Diego (yes, the Clippers weren’t in Los Angeles), he could’ve put up insane numbers. On one of the low key all time stacked teams in NBA history in 1982, he was the closest after Oscar to a triple double before Westbrook got it. But Magic valued WINNING. He’d be the best player on the court taking seven shots. So historically, his numbers don’t look as impressive to those who don’t understand how the game has evolved. But trust me, winning Finals MVP at 20 and 22 and putting up the greatest game for my money in NBA Finals history for anyone under the age of 25, AS A ROOKIE, Magic was the goods. Always.
That’s like the start of 1980, so only man to man D, no other zone D were allowed, D was shit in the vid. But then Magic and Bird hit their prime, plus the Bad Boys Pistons came to the mid and late 80s. That’s when the “80s Defense” started. The true Physicality, bumping and grinding, hardcore classics. Back then players don’t use useless crossovers, they’d legit use power and strength to stop you going to the ring, whereelse you have to bump your way in like MJ did. So guys, don’t judge this game and saying “80s Defense were overrated”, when in reality, the 80s D wasnt even born til 1984 and till these stars came to rise.
I will take Magic over Mj, Bird, Lebron, Kobe, Kareem… and anybody not named Bill Russell or Wilt Chamberlain. This man was a monster from his day he set his foot into the league both as an individual and a team leader. No players in the league past or present can achieve that level as such a young age.
I don’t care what anybody says, Magic is the greatest Laker of all time, not Kobe. Kobe could never have done this in his rookie season. He would have been on the bench and Magic was not that much older in his rookie season either so I don’t wanna hear anything about age or excuses about era. Now if you argue it was Kareem I can accept that more than Kobe over Johnson. Sure Kobe was a better scorer than Magic but a shooting guard is supposed to score more than a point guard. Magic made the entire team better and ruled the league for over a decade going to the Finals 9 times until Jordan defeated him in the Finals and took over. So when people say Lebron James should be compared to Magic, I agree with that.
No one remembers that Jamaal Wilkes scored 37 points to go with Magic’s incredible game. As great as Jordan, Bird, and LeBron are (or were) Magic filled in at center for the reigning MVP (Kareem’s 6th and final regular season one) on the road against the legendary Dr. J in his prime. This and the “junior sky hook” game against the Celtics are my favorite memories of the greatest point guard in NBA history.
The crazy thing is that Magic probably could have had a whole career posting those types of numbers if he had been a center or forward instead of point guard. People forget how good of a scorer he was, better than Lebron. And the guy could rebound; averaged nearly 10 boards a game one season from the PG position. Oh, and he also led the league in steals two seasons in a row. Magic and Hakeem are the best two players since 1980, and it really isn’t that close. They are the only ones with zero holes in their game.
Look At how much space the players have to shoot . Every time the ball is in the hands of magic he could easily shoot it.The defenders are guarding him from 3 feet away. Imagine if that was a modern NBA player like LeBron or Harden they would drop 60 on these plumbers every game because they can shoot. This is a very unpopular option but I think any modern day All Star has more talent and is a better than player than someone like Magic who is considered an all time great 🤷🏽♂️
Old article but Ive gotta do this comparison, who’s two year stretch from final collegiate to rookie professional season is better Magic ( NCAA champion, first pick in the draft, runner up for rookie of the year {Larry Legend } NBA champion, Finals MVP or Tony Dorsett( Heisman Trophy winner, NCAA national championship, NFL rookie of the year, Super Bowl Champion ) just wow to both ??!!
Anyone else here after perusal Winning Time? Anyways, this game right here folks, is the greatest individual game of all time. He was a rookie. In the NBA Finals. Playing against an outstanding 76ers team. On the road, in a hostile Philly nonetheless. Without his best player/one of the greatest players at that specific time and of all time. Being a PG and jumping at Center. And to go off for 42-15-7 on extremely efficient shooting while making consistent impactful plays? It’s essentially perfect given the scenario/variables.
For me he’s ahead of kareem for all time. Kareem couldn’t win a championship with the lakers before Johnson got there. Then he replaced a injured kareem at center and carried the lakers to the win while literally playing every position and win finals mvp in his rookie year. I doubt anyone could replicate what this man did in his rookie year. EVER. Simply put the greatest point guard to ever play and top 3 greatest of all time.
So Magic had 1 outstanding game and hence he won the Finals MVP. Kareem was the best player of the series, hands down and by far. There is no doubt that Johnson had an amazing Game 6 but in terms of the entire series, his Finals MVP is more than questionable. He had 21-11-9, whereas Kareem averaged 33.4\t points, 13.6\trebounds and 4.6 blocks in 5 games. Kareem was the leading scorer in 4 of 5 games he played and was the leading rebounder all 5 times. Magic had 16 points in Game 1, 13 points in Game 2, 16 points in Game 3, 28 in Game 4, 14 in Game 5. All in all, Jabbar was the best player of the series by far, Magic had no business being a Finals MVP candidate after 5 games. He did have a heroic Game 6 but he didn’t deserve the MVP trophy in my opinion.
Steph Curry feels like he’s the 🐐 point guard. I feel like he meant ‘player’, and if he did, we get it. We’ve yet to see anyone shoot the basketball the way he does. But Magic was beyond category. I believe Curry knows that. Curry is such a fine individual, and he definitely changed the game. I love him too.
2nd most unstoppable lineup Definitely competition!! 5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 4. Timothy Theodore Duncan 3. Julius Winfield Erving II 2. Larry Joe Bird 1. LeBron Raymone James Sr. 3rd most unstoppable lineup Still very competitive 5. Wilton Norman Chamberlain 4. Kevin Maurice Garnett 3. Scotty Maurice Pippen Sr. 2. Kobe Bean Bryant 1. Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr