Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan are two of the greatest players of all time. Magic Johnson Jr. | Speaker Agency, Speaking Fee, Videos He said that he retired because he "didn't want to hurt the game. There they faced the Chicago Bulls, led by shooting guard Michael Jordan, a five-time scoring champion regarded as the finest player of his era. He ultimately decided to attend Michigan State when coach Jud Heathcote told him he could play the point guard position. [74] Johnson averaged another double-double season, with 17.6points, 13.1assists, and 7.3rebounds per game. [10] Still a commanding presence in popular culture, Johnson made history in 2012 when he became co-owner of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers. They're Midwesterners, they were bigger players who handled the ball skillfully and they thought about their teammates' success. The Pixel 6 offers the capability to eliminate photobomb fans quickly with the touch of a finger -- even Magic Johnson thinks it's absolute magic. [209] The Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, giving Johnson a Major League Baseball title to his credit. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend. "I think D'Angelo has really grown and matured," Johnson said . The Hall of Famer and business magnate has formally entered the game with a new partnership with the NBA and Top Shot, the league's partner that offers digital collectable NFTs non-fungible tokens of player and team highlights. The year was 2010, and scarves were in. [94] Despite not being named MVP, Johnson had a strong championship series, averaging 21.1points on .550shooting, 13.0assists, and 5.7rebounds per game. Magic Johnson's Friendship With Larry Bird Explained - Grunge.com Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. Other biographies include: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [16] He stated that his wife Cookie and their unborn child did not have HIV, and that he would dedicate his life to "battle this deadly disease". Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,[12] as well as an entrepreneur,[13] philanthropist,[14] broadcaster and motivational speaker. Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'For All the Fans: NBA Playoffs' Featuring [154], Johnson was exceptional because he played point guard despite being 6ft 9in (2.06m), a size reserved normally for frontcourt players. Magic Johnson says he wanted to hit Howard Stern after the popular radio host made comments about his HIV diagnosis during an appearance on Johnson's short-lived late-night talk show in 1998. [154], For his feats, Johnson was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time by the NBA in 1996,[156] and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. 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. [67] Despite his off-court troubles, Johnson averaged 18.6points, 9.6rebounds, 9.5assists, and a league-high 2.7steals per game, and was voted a member of the All-NBA Second Team. [224] He hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on August 22, 2016. Here's a look at the life of entrepreneur, philanthropist and NBA Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson. and his parents couldn't be happier for their kid. [202] In February 2017, Johnson returned to the Lakers as an advisor to Jeanie Buss. [100] Mike Dunleavy became the Lakers' head coach in 199091, when Johnson had grown to be the league's third-oldest point guard. Basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson visited the "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday to discuss their friendship - which began in . With so many ways to love the NBA, Google says the Pixel 6 is built for all fans. Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has seen a different D'Angelo Russell from the one who started his career in purple and gold. [143], Johnson and Bird were first linked as rivals after Johnson's Michigan State squad defeated Bird's Indiana State team in the 1979 NCAA finals. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. [177] Johnson credits Buss with giving him the business knowledge that enabled him to become part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. [154] In the 1982 NBA Finals, he was named the Finals MVP averaging just 16.2 points, the lowest average of any Finals MVP award recipient in the three-point shot era. [75] The Lakers won the first game, and led by two points in Game 2 with 18seconds to go, but after a layup by Gerald Henderson, Johnson failed to get a shot off before the final buzzer sounded, and the Lakers lost 124121 in overtime. Earvin "Magic" Johnson 's fame skyrockets on and off the court in HBO's new trailer for Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty . [47] Despite Abdul-Jabbar's dominance, he had failed to win a championship with the Lakers, and Johnson was expected to help them achieve that goal. [153] He is the only player to average 12 assists in an NBA Finals series, achieving it six times. [23] When recalling the events in his autobiography, My Life, he talked about how his time at Everett had changed him: As I look back on it today, I see the whole picture very differently. [36] Johnson played with the team frequently over the next several years, with possibly the most memorable game occurring in November 2001. WATCH: The sneaker commercial that made Magic and Bird friends Bird was adamant that he would not appear in the Converse advert if it was filmed in LA. [20], Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan, to General Motors assembly worker Earvin Sr. and school janitor Christine. [28], At the age of 36, Johnson attempted another comeback as a player when he re-joined the Lakers during the 199596 NBA season. 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". Magic Johnson Comes Out 'Swinging' in They Call Me Magic Docuseries Johnson's career achievements include three NBA MVP Awards, three NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, nine NBA Finals appearances, 12 All-Star games, and nine All-NBA First Team selections. [204], In 2015, Johnson completed his planned acquisition for a "majority, controlling interest" in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which manages $14.5 billion in annuities, life insurance and other financial products. John Fogerty On 50 Year Battle To Recapture The Music Of Creedence Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals . Visit California TV Spot, 'Living the Dream' Feat. At the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State. Nov 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm ET 1 min read. The Untold Truth Of Magic Johnson - NickiSwift.com Earvin Johnson III . [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. "[125] Amid speculation from general manager Jerry West that he may only coach until the end of the season,[125] Johnson took over a team that had a 2838 record, and won his first game as head coach, a 110101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Magic Johnson is a top business keynote speaker, former NBA great, and Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. The Lakers did not reach the playoffs during Johnson's executive tenure. After leaving the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. 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. And the first few months, I was miserable at Everett. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment In 1991, . [Journal & Courier] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. and his family wife Cookie, daughter Elisa and sons Andre and EJ were joined by a star-studded roster of celebrities and professional athletes [223] In 2015, he once again endorsed Hillary Clinton in her second presidential campaign. Johnson learned everything he could about business, often meeting with corporate executives during road trips. [28] In 1985, Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", a yearly charity event which included a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. Magic Johnson: Dr. Fauci helped me overcome HIV - Yahoo! News 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. When did Magic Johnson have his son? [128] Despite these difficulties, the Lakers finished with a record of 5329 and fourth seed in the NBA Playoffs. Starbucks Acquires Remaining Interest in Magic Johnson Enterprises [75] In Game 3, Johnson responded with 21assists in a 137104 win, but he made several crucial errors late in the contest during Game 4. 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. We give our clients and partners the edge needed to effectively capitalize on the growing purchasing power and value of multicultural communities. "[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. [89] Johnson had another productive season with averages of 19.6points, 11.9assists, and 6.2rebounds per game despite missing 10 games with a groin injury. [133] Nick Van Exel received a seven-game suspension for bumping referee Ron Garretson during a game on April 9. Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda [175], Johnson had an extremely close relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss, whom he saw as a mentor and a father figure. [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. They became friends . [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. The pair launched an initiative to support minority and female-owned businesses, by providing customized health care plans for issues that disproportionately affect people of color. [40], Before the 199293 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback. Although he played in a celebrity game to honor coach Jud Heathcoate in 1995,[45] this was Johnson's first meaningful game played in his hometown of Lansing in 22 years. Earvin (Magic) Johnson, became one of the best NBA players for 13 years playing with the Lakers. LOS ANGELES, CA Magic Johnson and health insurance giant Cigna have teamed up to fight health disparities in POC communities within Los Angeles. Earvin "Magic" Johnson is the only NBA rookie to date to receive the Finals MVP Award. When Magic Johnson heard of the proposal he told Converse ' You're crazy, I'm not shooting no commercial with Larry .' Eventually, Magic was persuaded and expected to shoot the commercial in LA. [39], Johnson did not initially aspire to play professionally, focusing instead on his communication studies major and his desire to become a television commentator. [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. [143] He later joined the Danish team The Great Danes. [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. [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. In the final minute of the game, Johnson had the ball stolen by Celtics center Robert Parish, and then missed two free throws that could have won the game. [23], Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Everett High School, when he recorded a triple-double of 36points, 18rebounds, and 16assists. Magic Johnson TV Commercials - iSpot.tv [25] Upon learning of Chastine's death, Magic ran from his home, crying uncontrollably. [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. According to the Basketball Network, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird came together in 1986 to film a commercial for Converse. [3][55][56] He also became one of four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years. Famous Converse commercial that made Larry Bird and Magic Johnson [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.