Other biographies include: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [28] In the last championship series of his career, Johnson averaged 18.6points on .431shooting, 12.4assists, and 8.0rebounds per game. [192] The experience taught him to listen to his customers and find out what products they wanted. [129] On February 14, Johnson recorded the final triple-double of his career, when he scored 15 points, along with 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a victory against the Atlanta Hawks. EXCLUSIVE: Magic Johnson Partners With CBD and Hemp Brand - Yahoo! In 2006, he publicly endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California,[219] in 2007 he supported Hillary Clinton in her presidential campaign,[220] and in 2010 he endorsed Barbara Boxer in her race for re-election to the U.S. [179] In 1998, Johnson hosted a late night talk show on the Fox network called The Magic Hour, but the show was canceled after two months because of low ratings. [102] Johnson performed well during the season, with averages of 19.4points, 12.5assists, and 7.0rebounds per game, and the Lakers reached the 1991 NBA Finals. [131][132] He missed two games and was stripped of his title as team captain. [44] The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals, but were unable to defeat the Houston Rockets, who advanced to the Finals in five games. The game was played at a gym inside Fort McNair, and reporters covering the president were not allowed to enter. Speaking to media just hours after Buss had died, Johnson was emotional, saying, "Without Dr. Jerry Buss, there is no Magic. Our company We Build Businesses They became friends . Random House. [76][77] During the Finals, Johnson averaged 18.0points on .560shooting, 13.6assists, and 7.7rebounds per game. According to sports journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN, Johnson and Bird saved the NBA from bankruptcy. There were incidents of racism, with rocks being thrown at buses carrying black students and white parents refusing to send their children to school. [213] He won the WNBA championship as the owner in 2016. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. [191], Johnson began thinking of life after basketball while still playing with the Lakers. By the time he had reached the eighth grade, Johnson had begun to think about a future in basketball. Anna Faris, Gatorade TV Spot, 'Make Your Rival Your Fuel' Featuring J.J. Watt, Honda CR-V Super Bowl 2017 TV Spot, 'Yearbooks' Ft. Steve Carell, Tina Fey [T1], Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'Anthem: NBA' Ft. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Magic Johnson, NBA League Pass TV Spot, 'Classic Games: Free Preview', NBA TV Spot, 'Welcome to NBA Lane' Feat. Capital One TV Spot, 'Final Four' Feat. Charles Barkley, Samuel L [33] The Lakers advanced through the 1982 playoffs and faced Philadelphia for the second time in three years in the 1982 NBA Finals. Michael B. Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Fanatics.com TV Spot, 'All-In Challenge' Featuring Kevin Hart, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Samsung Galaxy Note II TV Spot, 'Big Day' Featuring LeBron James, NBA TV Spot, 'This Is Why We Play: Anthem', AT&T Wireless TV Spot, 'The Codes We Live By' Feat. [157] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2002. [185], Johnson runs Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate company that has a net worth of $700million;[13] its subsidiaries include Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; Magic Johnson Theaters, a nationwide chain of movie theaters; and Magic Johnson Entertainment, a film studio. [21] Johnson, who had six siblings and three half-siblings by his father's previous marriage,[22][23][a] was influenced by his parents' strong work ethic. The basketball game was part of festivities organized to celebrate Obama's 49th birthday. Magic Johnson: D'Angelo Russell Has 'Really Grown and Matured' Since Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American former professional basketball player. Apple TV+ today announced "They Call Me Magic," the highly anticipated four-part documentary event that takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of one of the world's most iconic figures, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, will premiere April 22 on Apple TV+. [146] With the two future Hall of Famers, the league won a whole generation of new fans,[147] drawing both traditionalist adherents of Bird's dirt court Indiana game and those appreciative of Johnson's public park flair. Magic Johnson opens up on living with HIV 30 years after his diagnosis "In the. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. [141][142] Johnson also became a co-owner of the club;[143] however, the project failed after one season and the club was forced into reconstruction. Education: Attended Michigan State University, 1977-1979. [40], Before the 199293 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback. [208] The Johnson-led group, which also includes movie executive Peter Guber, paid $2billion for the Dodgers, the largest amount paid for a professional sports team. [16] Named by Ebony magazine as one of America's most influential black businessmen in 2009,[17] Johnson has numerous business interests, and was a part-owner of the Lakers for several years, as well as being the team's president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson shot the first part of the Converse commercial, and when it was time for lunch; Larry made a nice gesture towards his nemesis. By using iSpot.tv, you accept our, Visit California TV Spot, 'Living the Dream' Feat. Magic Johnson was also having success in college at Michigan State.In his senior year, Magic led his school to a 26-6 record that was good enough . [113], Johnson was chosen to compete in the Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics for the U.S. national team, dubbed the "Dream Team" because of the NBA stars on the roster. [28] Buss was also unhappy with the Lakers' offense and had intended on firing Westhead days before the WestheadJohnson altercation, but assistant GM Jerry West and GM Bill Sharman had convinced Buss to delay his decision. LOS ANGELES, CA Magic Johnson and health insurance giant Cigna have teamed up to fight health disparities in POC communities within Los Angeles. [33] He was selected to the 197879 All-American team for his performance that season. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. The rivalry continued in the NBA, and reached its climax when Boston and Los Angeles met in three out of four NBA Finals from 1984 to 1987, with the Lakers winning two out of three Finals. After making a bunny appear out of Samuel L. Jackson's cap, he begins sawing Jim Nantz in half for his final signoff, as Barkley, Jackson and Spike Lee look on in laughter. Magic Johnson Becomes Household Name in Winning Time Trailer - Yahoo! Nov 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm ET 1 min read. Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment While Charles Barkley, Samuel L. Jackson and Magic Johnson ready themselves for the Final Four of March Madness, Barkley shares that he got four percent cash back on his tickets via the Capital One Savor card. Kenan Draughorne. "I always said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the two most important people in NBA history," Barkley said. About Starbucks Corporation Johnson was apprehensive at first because he and Bird never had a serious conversation at that point, and while he agreed to do the commercial, the two superstars didn't talk to each other during the actual shoot (via NPR ). 4.05. Suddenly, Earvin Johnson himself emerges out of a puff of smoke, and quickly makes it clear that they don't call him Magic for nothing. Advertisement NBA legend Magic Johnson 's son, EJ Johnson, is on his way of becoming a fashion icon as well as a voice for the transgender community. [28] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but lost narrowly to eventual national champion Kentucky. The superstars' fiery relationship cooled after filming a 1985 Converse commercial filmed in French Lick, Ind., Bird's hometown. [154] He holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists (127). [19][218], Johnson is a supporter of the Democratic Party. [13][169] The couple adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995. "I think D'Angelo has really grown and matured," Johnson said . Although Johnson's retirement prior to the 199293 NBA season voided this contract, Buss insisted that he still be paid. Then one of our guys catches the ball and scores, and I run back up the floor convinced that he must've thrown it through somebody. Despite two triple-doubles from Johnson during the series, Finals MVP Jordan led his team to a 41win. After practicing and playing in several pre-season games, he retired again before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return sparked by opposition from several active players. With so many ways to love the NBA, Google says the Pixel 6 is built for all fans. [227] In 1992, he joined the National Commission on AIDS, a committee appointed by members of Congress and the Bush Administration. Johnson's mother, originally from North Carolina,[29] had also played basketball as a child, and she grew up watching her brothers play the game.[26]. [48] Coach Paul Westhead, who had replaced McKinney early in the season after he had a near-fatal bicycle accident,[49][54] decided to start Johnson at center in Game 6; Johnson recorded 42points, 15rebounds, 7assists, and 3 steals in a 123107 win, while playing guard, forward, and center at different times during the game. A Shoe Commercial Is What Finally Helped Larry Bird and Magic Johnson [129], After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs,[136] Johnson initially expressed a desire to return to the team for the 199697 NBA season, but he also talked about joining another team as a free agent, hoping to see more playing time at point guard instead of power forward. [28] In his final high school season, Johnson led Everett to a 271 winloss record while averaging 28.8points and16.8 rebounds per game,[28] and took his team to an overtime victory in the state championship game. [175], Johnson had an extremely close relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss, whom he saw as a mentor and a father figure. [212], Together with Guggenheim, Johnson was also involved in the February 2014 purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks team in the WNBA. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment The Untold Truth Of Magic Johnson - NickiSwift.com He wondered why so many athletes had failed at business, and sought advice. It's true that I hated missing out on Sexton. [177] Johnson credits Buss with giving him the business knowledge that enabled him to become part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. 1,006 ratings37 reviews. "[119], During his retirement, Johnson has written a book on safe sex, run several businesses, worked for NBC as a commentator, and toured Asia, Australia and New Zealand with a basketball team of former college and NBA players. With the Google Pixel 6, Serbian fans become fans of the Nuggets with the help of the smartphone's translation feature. [83], Johnson again averaged a double-double in the 198586 NBA season, with 18.8points, 12.6assists, and 5.9rebounds per game. [80] After the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, who averaged 18.3points on .494shooting, 14.0assists, and 6.8rebounds per game in the championship series,[81][82] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers. Learn more at www.magicjohnsonenterprises.com. Magic Johnson And Cigna Team Up To Improve Minority Healthcare [207] In March 2012, Johnson's ownership group was announced as the winner of the proceedings to buy the Dodgers. [225], After announcing his infection in November 1991, Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV,[226] although he later diversified the foundation to include other charitable goals. Magic Johnson - IMDb Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. With help from the HBO . . [126] He was coaching a team that had five of his former teammates on the roster: Vlade Divac, Elden Campbell, Tony Smith, Kurt Rambis, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper, who was brought in as an assistant coach. He was 20 years old and the year was 1980. [77][92][93] After the teams split the first six games, Lakers forward and Finals MVP James Worthy had his first career triple-double of 36points, 16rebounds, and 10assists, and led his team to a 108105win. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . 10. He went to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz with the idea that he could successfully open the coffee shops in urban areas. [200] Johnson sold his ownership stake in the Lakers in October 2010 to Patrick Soon-Shiong, a Los Angeles surgeon and professor at UCLA,[201] but continued as an unpaid vice president for the team. He is also part of a group of investors that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and the Los Angeles Sparks in 2014,[18] and was part of the ownership group that established Los Angeles F.C. [87][88], Before the 198788 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that they would defend the NBA title, even though no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics did so in the 1969 NBA Finals. That initial battle was an appetizer for the decade that followed as the pair became two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history who developed a fierce personal rivalry during the 1980s that included three meetings in the NBA Finals. [190] In 2012, Johnson launched a cable TV network called Aspire, featuring programming targeted at black audiences, similar to networks such as Black Entertainment Television (BET) and TV One. Johnson's autobiography is Johnson, Earvin (1992). And the first few months, I was miserable at Everett. [44][130] The Lakers had a record of 2210 in the games Johnson played, and he considered his final comeback "a success. [223] In 2015, he once again endorsed Hillary Clinton in her second presidential campaign. [3][55][56] He also became one of four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years. [115][117] Johnson played infrequently because of knee problems,[118] but he received standing ovations from the crowd, and used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive people. [79], In the 198485 regular season, Johnson averaged 18.3points, 12.6assists, and 6.2rebounds per game, and led the Lakers into the 1985 NBA Finals, where they faced the Celtics again. Basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson visited the "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday to discuss their friendship - which began in . [36] He officially returned to the team on January 29, 1996,[128] and played his first game the following day against the Golden State Warriors. "[177] Buss acquired the team from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979, shortly before he drafted Johnson with the #1 pick in the 1979 NBA draft. [75] Friends Isiah Thomas and Mark Aguirre consoled him that night, talking until the morning in his Boston hotel room amidst fan celebrations on the street. [195] Another major project is with insurance services company Aon Corp.[196] In 20052007, Johnson was part of a syndicate that bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, then the tallest building in Brooklyn, for $71 million and converted the 512-foot high landmark structure from an office building into luxury condominiums. [72] With Johnson's teammates Nixon, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo all hobbled by injuries, the Lakers were swept by the Sixers, and Malone was crowned the Finals MVP. [152], Johnson introduced a fast-paced style of basketball called "Showtime", described as a mix of "no-look passes off the fastbreak, pin-point alley-oops from halfcourt, spinning feeds and overhand bullets under the basket through triple teams. He led all scorers with 39 points. Eventually, Johnson accepted his situation and the small group of black students looked to him as their leader. Johnson delivers a passionate message about his life story and everyone can make a difference their own community. Magic Johnson Fast Facts | CNN [209] The Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, giving Johnson a Major League Baseball title to his credit. Starbucks Acquires Remaining Interest in Magic Johnson Enterprises Magic Johnson Music signed R&B artist Avant as its first act. Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'For All the Fans: NBA Playoffs' Featuring Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda He won 3 MVP Awards, appeared in 9 NBA Finals, was All-Star 12 times, and led the Lakers to the championship four times during the 1980s. [Journal & Courier] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 [25], Johnson came to love basketball as a young man. [100] Mike Dunleavy became the Lakers' head coach in 199091, when Johnson had grown to be the league's third-oldest point guard. [34] He gave Chastine much of the credit for his development as a basketball player and as a person,[35] saying years later, "I doubted myself back then. [68] During the championship series against the Sixers, Johnson averaged 16.2points on .533shooting, 10.8rebounds, 8.0assists, and 2.5steals per game. [62], In 1981, after the 198081 season, Johnson signed a 25-year, $25million contract with the Lakers (equivalent to $75,000,000 in 2021), which was the highest-paying contract in sports history up to that point. Magic, 62, posed alongside wife Cookie, sons EJ and Andre Johnson, daughter Elisa Johnson, and daughter-in-law Lisa Meyers Johnson, in a photo from the outing shared on Instagram. [26] He also idolized players such as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes,[27] and practiced "all day". "We think there is a lot of fun to be had with the Barkleylounger," he says. The Lakers finished the season on a ten-game losing streak, and Johnson's final record as a head coach was 511. [56][160][161] At the 2019 NBA Awards, Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (shared with Bird). The label, initially called Magic 32 Records, was renamed Magic Johnson Music when Johnson signed a joint venture with MCA in 2000. "We had. [71], During the 198283 NBA season, Johnson's first of nine consecutive double-double seasons, he averaged 16.8points, 10.5assists, and 8.6rebounds per game, and earned his first All-NBA First Team nomination. Charles Barkley said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the most important people in NBA history Tuesday was Larry Bird's 65th birthday, and Barkley didn't mince words when he spoke about the former Boston Celtics star. Sign up to track 37 nationally aired TV ad campaigns for Magic Johnson. They bonded during that day but also made a great commercial. Magic Johnson's 3 Kids: Everything to Know - people.com Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan: Who'd Be Better To Build a Franchise Magic Johnson Joined by Son EJ for Premiere of New Apple - Peoplemag 8. Agency SVP, group creative director Ryan Carroll believes one campaign concept could have some legs IRL. He also missed several games due to a calf injury. [49][50] Johnson averaged 18.0points, 7.7rebounds, and 7.3assists per game for the season, was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and was named an NBA All-Star Game starter. The franchise reached an agreement with free agent LeBron James on a four-year contract in 2018, but efforts to trade for Anthony Davis during the 201819 season proved unsuccessful. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. The majority of NBA fans consider Jordan to be the best ever, with Magic being the best point guard ever. Famous Converse commercial that made Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Johnson said that what was "most amazing" about joining the Lakers was the chance to play alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,[46] the team's 7ft 2in (2.18m) center who became the leading scorer in NBA history. Magic was the fourth of seven children Earvin Sr. and Christine had together. Johnson stated that his aim was to "help educate all people about what [HIV] is about" and teach others not to "discriminate against people who have HIV and AIDS". Earvin "Magic" Johnson Business Speakers Bureau & Speaking Fee The rivalry with Larry Bird, another NBA superstar, began in college. In 1992, Buss had given Johnson a contract that paid him $14 million a year, as payback for all the years he was not the league's highest-paid player. [Indianapolis Star] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 Ovitz encouraged him to start reading business magazines and to use every connection available to him. [186] In addition to these business ventures, Johnson has also created the Magic Card, a pre-paid MasterCard aimed at helping low-income people save money and participate in electronic commerce. [10] Magic Johnson Comes Out 'Swinging' in They Call Me Magic Docuseries Buss took a special interest in Johnson, introducing him to important Los Angeles business contacts and showing him how the Lakers organization was run, before eventually selling Johnson a stake in the team in 1994. [168] Johnson and Cookie have one son, Earvin III ("EJ"), who is openly gay and a star on the reality show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. It's safe to say that without their common sponsor bringing them together, they likely wouldn't have hung out that day. Read also Don Johnson Left Barbra Streisand to Remarry Melanie Griffith Following Her Pregnancy From creating job opportunities within communities, to reshaping the corporate understanding of urban areas, our work raises awareness, enhances social value and increases the economic strength of those we serve. Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan are two of the greatest players of all time. According to the Los Angeles Times, Magic Johnson's earliest and arguably most vocal champion was a childhood friend named Reggie Chastine.A fellow playground baller in Lansing, Michigan, Chastine was teammates with Johnson at Everett High School and got the future star thinking about being a future star, that achievements like all-state and All-American selections were possible, if not probable. [138][139] On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State. Magic's son EJ Johnson, 29, wore a fabulous silver sequined gown paired thigh-high black boots for the big moment, accessorizing with diamond necklaces and a black clutch. 'Winning Time' HBO: Magic Johnson, Nike and Phil - Los Angeles Times [171][172], Johnson is a Christian[173] and has said his faith is "the most important thing" in his life. And you can now add to that list one Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson did join the basketball team but became angry after several days when his new teammates ignored him during practice, not even passing the ball to him. [7][8] He also holds the record for most career assists in the playoffs. His favorite basketball player was Bill Russell, whom he admired more for his many championships than his athletic ability. [57], Early in the 198081 season, Johnson was sidelined after he suffered torn cartilage in his left knee. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird met for the first time in the NCAA national championship. His plans underwent a dramatic change when he learned that he would be bused to the predominantly white Everett High School instead of going to Sexton,[26][30] which was predominantly black. The Power of Magic [124] Stating that it was never his dream to coach, he chose instead to purchase a 5% share of the team in June 1994. Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 - YouTube [177] It was this arrangement that allowed Johnson to coach the team without receiving any additional salary. Old Navy Partners with Magic Johnson to Inspire Future Generations Combining his playing career and sports ownership career, Johnson has 10 NBA championships, five each as a player and later as a minority owner of the Lakers. [163], On February 21, 2017, Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson: My Life. [197][198], In 1990, Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. obtained a large interest in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation, making it the company's largest minority-owned facility in the U.S.[199] Johnson became a minority owner of the Lakers in 1994, having reportedly paid more than $10million for part ownership. He led the league in regular season assists four times, and is the NBA's all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season (11.19 assists per game) and the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). "[33][128], Determined to play competitive basketball despite being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team composed of former NBA and college players. [48] Johnson became the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award,[48] and his clutch performance is still regarded as one of the finest in NBA history. [103][104] Although the series was portrayed as a matchup between Johnson and Jordan,[105] Bulls forward Scottie Pippen defended effectively against Johnson. "[108], Despite his retirement, Johnson was voted by fans as a starter for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game at Orlando Arena, although his former teammates Byron Scott and A. C. Green said that Johnson should not play,[110] and several NBA players, including Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, argued that they would be at risk of contamination if Johnson suffered an open wound while on court.