Magic Johnson, a legendary NBA player, was retired by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1992. Born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, MI, Johnson played as a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979-80 and 1990-91. He won five NBA championships and three MVP awards during a Hall of Fame career that revolutionized the game. Johnson was a 12-time All-Star and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First team.
On February 16, 1992, the Lakers officially retired Johnson’s number 32 jersey at halftime of a game against the Boston Celtics. Johnson’s career history includes playing for the Lakers from 1979 to 1991, 1996 to 2000, and 1999 to 2000. He also served as a coach from 1994 to 1994.
Magic Johnson’s legacy is largely attributed to his iconic No 32 Lakers jersey, which was worn by him during his time with the Lakers. The jersey number was chosen in honor of his genius on the court and his contributions to the league.
In addition to his iconic jersey number, Magic Johnson also wore a USA Basketball Magic Johnson Home Authentic Jersey from Mitchell and Ness. This jersey number was worn during his 2006-2007 season with the Lakers, and it was his jersey number at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
📹 The Announcement: Magic Johnson
We take a look back 25 years ago to Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement in a segment from “The Announcement” About the NBA: …
Why does LeBron wear 23?
James initially selected the number 32 as a freshman at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, as the No. 23 was already in use in honor of Michael Jordan. In 2019, James articulated his aspiration to emulate Jordan’s ability to fly and selected the number 23 when he commenced his tenure in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Subsequently, James was selected as the first overall pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Is Magic Johnson 6 8?
Magic Johnson, a 6-8 point guard, was a dynamic player who constantly surprised the crowd with his quickness and agility. He could see a seam in the defense, drive the lane, shoulder down, past three defenders, leap, triple pump, and set a layup against the glass. He could also stand poised, reading the movement of his teammates, and no defender dares get too close to him out of respect for his quickness and agility. During the 1979 national championship game, commentator Billy Packer noted that Johnson was the outlet pass, not needing an outlet pass.
He would start the fast break after grabbing a defensive rebound, scanning the floor to decide whether to fire a one-handed rocket pass or weave his way through opponents, changing his tempo and length of his strike, and getting defenders off balance through pump fakes and misdirection.
Who wore 32 on Magic?
Orlando Magic has retired Shaquille O’Neal’s 32 jersey, marking the first time the team has raised his jersey to the rafters of their arena. O’Neal was Orlando’s first No. 1 overall draft pick, first player to make an All-Star team in a Magic uniform, first rookie of the year, first All-NBA selection, and the first big-time superstar to leave the franchise. Despite the Magic’s loss to Oklahoma City, most fans stayed for the postgame ceremony.
What numbers did Magic Johnson wear?
Magic Johnson, a star player in the NBA, led the Showtime Lakers to five championships from 1980 to 1988, winning Finals MVP three times. Johnson is credited with bringing the league back to life during a time when it was booming with popularity and viewership. He has been a key player in the NBA, with 13 seasons wearing No. 32. Johnson’s contributions to the league include the NBA Draft, NBA Tracker, and NBA Free Agency. He is also a popular choice for NBA Game Picks and Props Picks.
Who is 32 for the Lakers?
Ervin “Magic” Johnson Jr. 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 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, leading the team to five NBA championships during their “Showtime” era.
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. After protests against his return from his fellow players, he retired again for four years, but returned in 1996 at age 36, playing 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
Johnson spent his entire career with the Lakers, winning five NBA championships during their “Showtime” era. He retired again for four years, but returned in 1996 at age 36, playing 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
Whose jersey number was 99?
Sachin Tendulkar, a celebrated cricketer, is noted for having worn the jersey number 99 during the latter stages of his career, particularly in the context of limited-overs cricket. The number 99 became emblematic of Tendulkar’s prowess on the field, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished batsmen in the history of cricket.
Whose jersey number was 13?
The Indian cricket team’s jersey numbers range from 1 to 100 and include notable players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Shami, Yuvraj Singh, Nitish Rana, Munaf Patel, and Mohammed Siraj.
Why do Giannis wear 34?
Milwaukee Bucks’ basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo wears a jersey with the number 34, honoring his parents who have been the driving force behind his success. Born in 1963 and 1964 respectively, Antetokounmpo took the 3 from his mother’s birth year and the 4 from his father’s birth year to create the number 34. His brother Thanasis wears 43 on his jersey. Antetokounmpo’s jersey number 34 is one of the best-selling merchandise in the NBA, and his humble origins as the son of immigrants from Nigeria inspire many. In 2022, a movie called “Rise” was released to chronicle his family’s life struggles and support for his son’s basketball interest.
Why is the number 69 banned?
The NBA has always allowed numbers from 0 to 99, but 6 through 9 is less common than 0 through 5, as most players tend to keep their numbers from college. With the increase in international players and players on national teams who change teams, players have adopted higher numbers, such as Patrick Ewing with No. 6 in Orlando. Michael Jordan retired in 1993, and the Chicago Bulls retired his 23. Players cannot change numbers midseason, but they used to be able to.
The WNBA has aspects of NFHS (high schools), NBA, and NCAA numbering rules. Like the NBA and post-2023 NCAA, digits 6-9 are allowed, but no number higher than 55 is allowed. Since 2011, no player can wear 00.
Up to 2014, players in FIBA-organized competitions for national teams had to wear numbers from 4 to 15, due to limitations of the human hand. This restriction was lifted following the implementation of video replay systems in basketball. Starting in 2014, national federations could also allow any numbers with a maximum of 2 digits for their own competitions, including transnational club competitions like the EuroLeague. FIBA extended this change to its own competitions in 2018.
Currently, players are allowed any numbers from 1 to 99, plus 0 and 00. USA Basketball remains steadfast in using the pre-2018 FIBA numbering rules.
In summary, the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA all have their own numbering rules, but the NBA and WNBA have adapted to the changing needs of their respective teams and competitions.
Who wore no 33?
Larry Legend Kareem, who is renowned for wearing the number 33 in the NBA, is regarded as the most accomplished player to have worn that number.
Who wore number 32?
The list of players who have competed for various teams includes Magic Johnson, Reggie Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Kansas City Kings, Chicago Bulls, Larry Jones, Denver Rockets, Floridians, and Utah Stars, among others.
📹 Magic Johnson Jersey Retirement Ceremony
Crowd now and they anticipate the entrance of urban magic Johnson his family the number 32 has not been unveiled as yet.
I was lucky to be at many of those games between Magic and Larry; Row 10, Boston Garden.. We always wanted to see our Celtics win, especially against those Lakers because they were the top contender. Boston fans always respected Magic, Kareem, Coooooooooper, Worthy and the rest of L.A.’s team. But it was war so we hat to hate em’, but in a way we loved em’ too. We knew we were witnessing something special, and the Lakers were half of it. Magic and Larry saved the NBA, and B-ball hasn’t been the same since.
9:02 – As a lifetime Boston man, having grown up perusal Magic and Bird go at it, it almost makes me wanna cry seeing the Los Angeles crowd give Larry Bird such a great ovation. Even more than that, Magic Johnson hadn’t really smiled at ALL until Larry came up to the microphone. That alone speaks volumes to how these two guys feel about each other.
I was perusal this live and my heart was sad. Magic at this point of his career, still had plenty of basketball left in him and it was cut short. Nonetheless I’m grateful to have witnessed the most beautiful basketball that I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. It’s because of the “Showtime” Lakers, I became a fan of this wonderful game called “basketball.” Thank you Magic for your amazing contribution to this wonderful game. God bless!
maaan… magic and larry… absolute class… absolute legends… love those guys i feel for magic here… the guy should be celebrating an incredible career, but instead it looks like his heart is heavy and his mind is on other things, for obvious reasons…. cant even imagine what he’s going through here… so glad hes still with us!
Magic has always worn his emotions on his sleeve. No doubt he’s been that way since he was a small child. On the other hand Bird is stoic and suppresses all shows of sentimentality or emotional pain. Yet when Magic begins talking about how Bird and the Celtics forced the Lakers to play at the highest level and thanks Larry for personally bringing out the best in Magic, watch the incredibly subtle microexpressions play over Bird’s face. A swallow. And then the faintest of smiles — but not on the mouth — but solely in the eyes — as Magic finishes. Two great athletes who were at the pinnacle of skill and competitiveness. They played the same way, but their temperaments were radically different. First, they were foes. And then great friends. To the point that when Magic was diagnosed with HIV, Larry was right at the top of the list for him to personally call.
I was always a Celtics fan because of my Dad who told me of the great teams that came before Bird. His favorite was Cousy but by the time he saw Larry Legend play he changed his mind on who the greatest was. I hated Magic, not the man but the Laker. Everything about Magic was easy to like. Great smile, great player, friendly man to all and he was great for the Los Angeles community, but I hated him when the Celtics and Lakers played. I believe we who witnessed them in their prime saw the absolute best that basketball can ever be. Geez, when I think about the players in that era: Dominique Wilkens, Barkley, Isaiah Thomas, Malone, Ewing, Dr. J, Iceman Gervin, Rodman, Worthy, Jordan, Mullins, Stockton, Jabaar,, Drexler, Sikma, Dantley, Bernard King, Olajuwon, Moncrief, Lambeer, and Magic. I know I must have missed some but what a great bunch of opponents! I love Larry and Magic as if I knew them personally because they played the game in a way that not only honored the game but they honored the fans by giving their all year in and out. I barely even watch anymore, the game lost its edge. Where is the passion and courage? Maybe I just got spoiled perusal the best that ever played.
Thing about Magic and Bird vs most.. these 2 legends fought hard against each other.. loved to hate each other.. hated to love each other.. and became proof that salt and pepper are the 2 best seasonings ever.. both men of heart that always put it on full display.. these two are the REAL best of the best.. role models.. the NBA will never have another Bird-Magic rivalry turned so sweet ever again…
Celtics fan here. I saw 2 people pass better than Larry Legend. Bob Cousy and the greatest passer EVER Magic Johnson who like Bird saw the game on a completely different level. Magic would still be the best passer even today, and i’m glad we all got to see him play. This was sad to watch back then cuz we thought Magic’s days were numbered, but Magic battled and even beat HIV. I saw Celtic’s fans crying when perusal this, but Magic still here and all of basketball was better for it. P.S. Bill Laimbeer sucks!
I think Magic is the best of all time. He nearly avg. a triple-double, and even played center and still scored 42 points with 15 boards. If Lebron or Jordan only scored 10 points, you would likely think their team was going to lose the game, Magic brought something different though to the game, the court was a chess board and he knew where every piece was – he made the entire team better with his style of play. He could have an off night and only score only 10 points but the Lakers were dangerous because their best player didn’t have to score 40 – 50 points to win. That’s what made him special.
I remember this… This was nice, but in all honesty the entire league should’ve been able to honor Magic. Just remember people, before him and Bird, the playoffs and finals were taped! TAPED!!! Then played later on TV. First player to make a million dollars a year, and absolutely put on a show every All-Star game.. And the Magic summer games. I understand having the Celtics there for a game, but I think they would’ve showed up regardless. This should’ve been so much more.
I’m 62.. Born in Redondo Beach CA….grew up in Indpls. In…. Boston/Bird fan……but..’ I love Majic Johnson….so talented, so respectful, so warrior like….. I’ll never forget the showtime Lakers….and Boston Celtic’s…..Bird and Majic……never……….God Bless Magic Johnson and Larry Bird….and America….’ 🇺🇸💀🎅😇😁💟
Thank you God for Mr Magic Johnson’s Humbleness !!!!! And May the Greatness of God shine Always 🙏 upon you and your family !!!!!! And Beautiful wife !!!!!!! God Bless her heart !!!!! for Loving you threw thick and thin !!!!!! She’s not only beautiful !!!! She’s send from God above !!!!! God 🙏🤗 your Handsome Son !!!!! I Look up to you !!!! My Mentor !!!!! Your sister in Christ !!!!!! Maribel 😇
I mean you got a watch the Larry Bird retirement ceremony as well when Magic came up on stage Boston cheered for him to because they just made each other better they were like gentlemen and I just remember those old games in always had mad respect for Magic Johnson even though I was a Celtics fan because I always felt like he made Larry Bird better and I think Larry Bird made him better too they were both awesome and it was just great
This event was held short after Earvin was diagnosed with HIV. Almost all people then thought that Magic would die shortly so all the tributes were like full of goodbyes and memories. Little did we know that Magic is well and alive as of this writing. Those were the old bad days when AIDS was considered a death sentence like how Freddie Mercury had succumbed to AIDS a year or two before.
Bird said Magic didn’t ever wear green and white but was still part of the Celtic family. BUT at Bird’s retirement ceremony Magic DID wear a Celtic t-shirt under his warm-up suit! 😁 Magic had forgotten to pack one and asked the equipment guy at the Garden for something to wear underneath his warm-up.
Larry could have played for a few more years if not for the double-heel surgery which set him back and then the bad back which hampered him especially in 91 and 92 seasons. Magic could have played another 3-4 years as well, if not longer – being younger than Larry by about 3 years I think. It was already Jordan’s NBA by then…but they could have played longer. They’d never team up though – unlike the current NBA, these guys wanted to beat each other and win rings for their franchises. Today is a LeBron and Durant NBA where players skip from team to team.
One thing to point out…. When Kareem is talking, and it shows the Lakers bench…. and they look bored. Unfortunately, some of the next generation guys kind of resented the previous generation. And you can see some of it there. Flip side, seeing Parish and McHale’s faces tells the story… total enemies, but they know what Kareem is saying…. Nice little time capsule. Glad to have seen it
1. Much respect from a Celtics fan. Magic was a great at everything but was the best passer of all time in my opinion. 2. Sucks that his handsome son became a thoroughgoing homosexual. Sad that everything that MLK said with such nobility is now marred by the realization that he was a serial adulterer and sexual deviant nonpariel. But I digress. 3. The 80’s Celtic-Laker rivalry will never be equalled in terms of ferocity and stakes. Never. Those weren’t playoff series they were wars for all time. 4. Bird getting biggest ovation of all the guests was very moving and classy. We feel the same about 32.
The 1st time I ever saw MAGIC was in ’78. He was a Freshman at MICHIGAN STATE U. What I saw was a ‘freak of nature’…..a 6’ 7″ Point Guard ????? Huh ??? That was NOT The Norm. The Only FULL Game in his short College career I saw was The 1979 NCAA Men’s Basketball TITLE Game, against INDIANA STATE U. and another ANOMALY, LARRY BIRD. These 2 Players are the reason I began perusal the NBA game. Before, I’d been more a Fan of College Hoops. There was NO B–Ball Rivalry in the NBA as FIERCE in The League as The LAKERS/CELTICS One…….East Coast vs. West Coast……BEAN Town vs. HOLLYWOOD…..Boston GARDEN Fans vs. Inglewood FORUM Fans. MAGIC vs. BIRD. THAT was a GREAT Sports Era. MAGIC Johnson Has an ‘aura’ of BENEVOLENCE about him. When You are Connected to It, you FEEL Better. You Feel you Have a GENUINE Friend. He’s a ‘REAL McCOY’……What You See IS What Get……a TRUE HUE-Man Being. MAGIC LOVES PEOPLE…….PERIOD. He tries to SEE and ‘extract’ the Best out of others around him. The Only Other person who had this Aura, I know of, was the late MICHEAL JACKSON.