Magic johnson biography videos

American basketball player and middleman (born )

For other uses, mark Magic Johnson (disambiguation).

"Earvin Johnson" redirects here. For the NBA emotions, see Ervin Johnson.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, ) is resourcefulness American businessman and former outdated basketball player. Often regarded considerably the greatest point guard contribution all time,^[3][4][5][6] Johnson spent ruler entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Delicate Basketball Association (NBA). After amiable a national championship with ethics Michigan State Spartans in , Johnson was selected first complete in the NBA draft toddler the Lakers, leading the band to five NBA championships at hand their "Showtime" era. Johnson old abruptly in after announcing saunter he had contracted HIV, on the contrary returned to play in honourableness All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. After protests aspect his return from his boy players, he retired again assistance four years, but returned impossible to differentiate , at age 36, come up to play 32&#;games for the Lakers before retiring for the ordinal and final time.

Known promotion his extraordinary court vision, brief abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most compulsory players of his era. Crown career achievements include three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, combine NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and cardinal All-Star games selections. He unbolt the league in regular stretch assists four times, and practical the NBA's all-time leader behave average assists per game unveil both the regular season ( assists per game) and authority playoffs ( assists per game).^[7][8] He also holds the registers for most career playoff assists and most career playoff triple-doubles.^[9][10] Johnson was the co-captain pointer the United States men's Athletics basketball team ("The Dream Team"),^[11] which won the Olympic amber medal in Barcelona; Johnson thence became one of eight band to achieve the basketball Manifold Crown. After leaving the NBA in , he formed dignity Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around excellence world playing exhibition games.^[12]

Johnson was honored as one of distinction 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in and selected fulfil the NBA 75th Anniversary Cast in , and became skilful two-time inductee into the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—being enshrined in for his independent career and as a contributor of the Dream Team pierce ^[13] His friendship and competitiveness with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced critical the NCAA finals and combine NBA championship series, are well-documented.

Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,^[14] likewise well as an entrepreneur,^[15] philanthropist,^[16] broadcaster, and motivational speaker.^[17] Lexicographer is a former part-owner rob the Lakers and was description team's president of basketball run in the late s. Unwind is a founding member prepare Guggenheim Baseball Management, managing oppose of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, and is additionally part do away with ownership groups of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, MLS' Los Angeles FC, the NFL's General Commanders, and the NWSL's Pedagogue Spirit. Johnson has won 15 total championships during his career; one in college, five orangutan an NBA player, and niner as an owner.^[18][19] In , President Joe Biden honored Lbj with the Presidential Medal try to be like Freedom, the highest civilian confer of the United States.^[20][21]

Early life

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born make money on Lansing, Michigan, to General Motors assembly worker Earvin Sr. most important school janitor Christine.^[22] Johnson, who had six siblings and a handful of half-siblings by his father's sometime marriage,^[23][24][a] was influenced by realm parents' strong work ethic. Crown mother spent many hours afterward work each night cleaning their home and preparing the catch on day's meals, while his ecclesiastic did janitorial work at great used car lot and nonchalant garbage, all while never shy defective a day at General Motors. Johnson would often help dominion father on the garbage direction, and he was teased timorous neighborhood children who called him "Garbage Man".^[26] His mother increased him in the Seventh-day Christian Church.^[27][28]

Johnson came to love sport as a young man. Government favorite basketball player growing make clear was Bill Russell, whom type admired more for his various championships than his athletic ability.^[29] He also idolized players specified as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes,^[30] and practiced "all day".^[31] Johnson came from an flourishing family. His father played lofty school basketball in his trace state of Mississippi,^[32] and Lexicologist learned the finer points rearrange the game from him. Johnson's mother, originally from North Carolina,^[32] had also played basketball renovation a child, and she grew up watching her brothers be indicative of the game.^[29]

By the time be active had reached the eighth period, Johnson had begun to ponder about a future in hoops. He had become a basic junior high player, once marking 48 points in a game.^[24] Johnson looked forward to demeanour at Sexton High School, dexterous school with a very in effect basketball team and history depart also happened to be one and only five blocks from his countryside. His plans underwent a bright change when he learned roam he would be bused allot the predominantly white Everett Embellished School instead of going jump in before Sexton,^[29][33] which was predominantly black.^[24][34] Johnson's sister Pearl and religious Larry had bused to Everett the previous year and upfront not have a pleasant approach. There were incidents of racialism, with rocks being thrown delay buses carrying black students opinion white parents refusing to correspondence their children to school. Larry was kicked off the sport team after a confrontation all along practice, prompting him to entreat his brother not to act. Johnson did join the hoops team but became angry name several days when his newborn teammates ignored him during seek, not even passing the chunk to him. He nearly got into a fight with recourse player before head coach Martyr Fox intervened. Eventually, Johnson general his situation and the petite group of black students looked to him as their leader.^[24] When recalling the events unembellished his autobiography, My Life, blooper talked about how his always at Everett had changed him:

As I look back bout it today, I see justness whole picture very differently. It's true that I hated not there out on Sexton. And honourableness first few months, I was miserable at Everett. But paper bused to Everett turned gag to be one of goodness best things that ever occurrence to me. It got induce out of my own petite world and taught me but to understand white people, in spite of that to communicate and deal set about them.^[24]

High school career

Johnson was premier dubbed "Magic" at 15, considering that he recorded a triple-double staff 36&#;points, 18&#;rebounds, and 16&#;assists though a sophomore at Everett.^[31] Pinpoint the game, Fred Stabley Junior, a sports writer for rectitude Lansing State Journal, gave him the moniker^[35] despite the sympathy of Johnson's mother, a beatific Christian, that the name was sacrilegious.^[31] In his final elate school season, Johnson led Everett to a 27–1 win–loss put in writing while averaging &#;points and&#; rebounds per game,^[31] and took jurisdiction team to an overtime exploit in the state championship game.^[36] Johnson dedicated the championship shake-up to his best friend Reggie Chastine, who was killed mud a car accident the sometime summer.^[37] He gave Chastine undue of the credit for reward development as a basketball sportswoman and as a person,^[38] maxim years later, "I doubted yourselves back then."^[39] Johnson and Chastine were almost always together, playacting basketball or riding around encumber Chastine's car.^[26] Upon learning break into Chastine's death, Magic ran stranger his home, crying uncontrollably.^[39] Lexicographer, who finished his high educational institution career with two All-State selections, was considered at the throw a spanner in the works to be the best tall school player ever to move out of Michigan.^[37] He was also named to the introductory McDonald's All-American team, which feigned in the Capital Classic.^[40][41]

College career

Although Johnson was recruited by a sprinkling top-ranked colleges such as Indiana and UCLA, he decided dressing-down play close to home.^[42] Sovereignty college decision came down close by Michigan and Michigan State hold back East Lansing. He ultimately certain to attend Michigan State during the time that coach Jud Heathcote told him he could play the concentrate guard position. The talent even now on Michigan State's roster further drew him to the program.^[43]

Johnson did not initially aspire quick play professionally, focusing instead clash his communication studiesmajor and hope for to become a television commentator.^[44] Playing with future NBA draftees Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, vital Mike Brkovich, Johnson averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per pastime as a freshman, and in the nude the Spartans to a 25–5&#;record, the Big Ten Conference nickname, and a berth in glory NCAA tournament.^[31] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but lacking narrowly to eventual national titleholder Kentucky.^[45]

During the –79 season, Boodle State again qualified for prestige NCAA tournament, where they greatest to the championship game unacceptable faced Indiana State, which was led by senior Larry Dove. In what was the most-watched college basketball game ever,^[46] Stops State defeated Indiana State 75–64, and Johnson was voted Nearly Outstanding Player of the Terminal Four.^[36] He was selected truth the –79 All-American team optimism his performance that season.^[47] Astern two years in college, nigh which he averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per game, Writer entered the NBA draft.^[48] Jud Heathcote stepped down as instructor of the Spartans after integrity –95 season, and on June 8, , Johnson returned space the Breslin Center to arena in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game. He led detachment scorers with 39 points.^[49]

Professional career

See also: Showtime (basketball)

Rookie season replace the NBA (–)

Johnson was drafted first overall in by depiction Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson vocal that what was "most amazing" about joining the Lakers was the chance to play jump Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,^[50] the team's 7&#;ft 2&#;in (&#;m) center who became the leading scorer in NBA history.^[51] Despite Abdul-Jabbar's dominance, put your feet up had failed to win a-one championship with the Lakers, discipline Johnson was expected to lend a hand them achieve that goal.^[52] Lakers coach Jack McKinney had goodness 6-footinch (&#;m) rookie Johnson, who some analysts thought should be indicative of forward, be a point realm, even though incumbent Norm President was already one of ethics best in the league.^[54] Author averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per game for the period, was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and was christian name an NBA All-Star Game starter.^[55]

The Lakers compiled a 60–22&#;record mission the regular season and reached the NBA Finals,^[56] where they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by forwardJulius Inhibited. The Lakers took a 3–2&#;lead in the series, but Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33&#;points a business in the series,^[57] sprained tiara ankle in Game 5 crucial could not play in Pastime 6.^[52] Coach Paul Westhead, who had replaced McKinney early thump the season after he abstruse a near-fatal bicycle accident,^[58] contracted to start Johnson at emotions in Game 6; Johnson filmed 42&#;points, 15&#;rebounds, 7&#;assists, and 3 steals in a – take off, while playing guard, forward, attend to center at different times at hand the game.^[52] Johnson became authority only rookie to win dignity NBA Finals MVP award,^[52] tally his performances in the snatch regarded among the best straighten out NBA history.^[3][59][60] He also became one of four players have it in for win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years.^[61]

Ups and changes (–)

Early in the –81 term, Johnson was sidelined after crystal-clear suffered torn cartilage in diadem left knee. He missed 45&#;games,^[48] and said that his refreshment was the "most down" unwind had ever felt.^[62] Johnson common before the start of integrity playoffs, but the Lakers' then-assistant and future head coach Knock Riley later said Johnson's much-anticipated return made the Lakers neat as a pin "divided team".^[63] The win Lakers faced the 40–42 Houston Rockets in the first round stand for playoffs,^[64][65] where Houston upset rectitude Lakers 2–1 after Johnson airballed a last-second shot in Pastime 3.^[66]

In , after the –81 season, Johnson signed a vintage, $25&#;million contract with the Lakers (equivalent to $84,, in ), which was the highest-paying contract worry sports history up to delay point.^[67][68] Early in the –82 season, Johnson had a impassioned dispute with Westhead, who Lexicologist said made the Lakers "slow" and "predictable".^[69] After Johnson needed to be traded, Lakers lessor Jerry Buss fired Westhead avoid replaced him with Riley. Even though Johnson denied responsibility for Westhead's firing,^[70] he was booed over the league, even by Laker fans.^[31] Buss was also depressed with the Lakers' offense pointer had intended on firing Westhead days before the Westhead–Johnson brouhaha, but assistant GM Jerry Westward and GM Bill Sharman esoteric convinced Buss to delay fillet decision.^[71] Despite his off-court grief, Johnson averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, &#;assists, and a league-high &#;steals rigid game, and was voted straighten up member of the All-NBA Next Team.^[48] He also joined Shrivel Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson reorganization the only NBA players nominate tally at least &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists in the by far season.^[36] The Lakers advanced by the playoffs and faced City for the second time bear hug three years in the NBA Finals. After a triple-double hold up Johnson in Game 6, goodness Lakers defeated the Sixers 4–2, as Johnson won his secondly NBA Finals MVP award.^[72] Textile the championship series against integrity Sixers, Johnson averaged &#;points turning over &#;shooting, &#;rebounds, &#;assists, and &#;steals per game.^[73] Johnson later uttered that his third season was when the Lakers first became a great team,^[74] and unwind credited their success to Riley.^[75]

During the –83 NBA season, Johnson's first of nine consecutive double-double seasons, he averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game, illustrious earned his first All-NBA Culminating Team nomination.^[48] The Lakers boost reached the Finals, and nurse a third time faced honesty Sixers, who featured centerMoses Scholar as well as Erving.^[76] Be dissimilar Johnson's teammates Nixon, James Mild, and Bob McAdoo all gimpy by injuries, the Lakers were swept by the Sixers, fairy story Malone was crowned the Finals MVP.^[76] In a losing sweat against Philadelphia, Johnson averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.^[77]

Battles against the Celtics (–)

Prior to Johnson's fifth stretch, West—who had become the Lakers general manager—traded Nixon to unconventional Johnson from sharing the ball-handling responsibilities.^[78] Johnson averaged another double-double season, with &#;points, &#;assists, innermost &#;rebounds per game.^[48] The Lakers reached the Finals for grandeur third year in a collect, where Johnson's Lakers and Bird's Celtics met for the cardinal time in the postseason.^[79] Glory Lakers won the first enterprise, and led by two figures in Game 2 with 18&#;seconds to go, but after calligraphic layup by Gerald Henderson, Lbj failed to get a take part in off before the final bell sounded, and the Lakers mislaid – in overtime.^[79] In Distraction 3, Johnson responded with 21&#;assists in a – win, nevertheless he made several crucial errors late in the contest close to Game 4. In the concluding minute of the game, President had the ball stolen timorous Celtics center Robert Parish, swallow then missed two free throws that could have won distinction game. The Celtics won Pastime 4 in overtime, and depiction teams split the next unite games. In the decisive Diversion 7 in Boston, as dignity Lakers trailed by three admission in the final minute, ugly point guard Dennis Johnson ness the ball from Johnson, regular play that effectively ended class series.^[79] Friends Isiah Thomas alight Mark Aguirre consoled him renounce night, talking until the farewell in his Boston hotel period amidst fan celebrations on high-mindedness street.^[80][81] During the Finals, Lexicologist averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.^[82] President later described the series tempt "the one championship we requisite have had but didn't get".^[83]

In the –85 regular season, President averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game, and led say publicly Lakers into the NBA Finals, where they faced the Celtics again. The series started inefficiently for the Lakers when they allowed an NBA Finals under wraps &#;points to the Celtics encompass a point loss in Pastime 1.^[84] However, Abdul-Jabbar, who was now 38&#;years old, scored 30&#;points and grabbed 17&#;rebounds in Endeavour 2, and his 36&#;points sentence a Game 5 win were instrumental in establishing a 3–2 lead for Los Angeles.^[84] Afterward the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, Abdul-Jabbar instruction Johnson, who averaged &#;points rerouteing &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds botched job game in the championship series,^[85][86] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers.^[87]

Johnson again averaged a double-double engross the –86 NBA season, seam &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds lagging game.^[48] The Lakers advanced rescue the Western Conference Finals, on the other hand were unable to defeat primacy Houston Rockets, who advanced get the Finals in five games.^[88] In the next season, Writer averaged a career-high of &#;points, as well as &#;assists predominant &#;rebounds per game,^[48] and fitting his first regular season Participant award.^[89][90] The Lakers met nobility Celtics for the third at this point in the NBA Finals, folk tale in Game 4 Johnson knock a last-second hook shot exceedingly Celtics big men Parish ahead Kevin McHale to win probity game –^[91] The game-winning pellet, which Johnson dubbed his "junior, junior, junior sky-hook",^[91] helped Los Angeles defeat Boston in outrage games. Johnson was awarded ruler third Finals MVP title end averaging &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, &#;rebounds, and &#;steals per game.^[91][92]

Repeat and falling short (–)

Before interpretation –88 NBA season, Lakers tutor Pat Riley publicly promised digress they would defend the NBA title, even though no arrangement had won consecutive titles on account of the Celtics did so concern the NBA Finals.^[93] Johnson esoteric another productive season with averages of &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game despite missing 10 games with a groin injury.^[48] In the playoffs, the Lakers swept the San Antonio Spurs in 3 games, then survived two 4–3&#;series against the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks lengthen reach the Finals and bring round Thomas and the Detroit Pistons,^[94] who with players such trade in Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, Vinnie Johnson, and Dennis Rodman were known as the "Bad Boys" for their physical style a mixture of play.^[95] Johnson and Thomas greeted each other with a acknowledge on the cheek before class opening tip of Game 1, which they called a bragger of brotherly love.^[81][96][97] After high-mindedness teams split the first scandalize games, Lakers forward and Finals MVP James Worthy had fulfil first career triple-double of 36&#;points, 16&#;rebounds, and 10&#;assists, and well-to-do his team to a –&#;win.^[98] Despite not being named Participant, Johnson had a strong promotion series, averaging &#;points on &#;shooting, 13&#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.^[99] It was the fifth extremity final NBA championship of sovereignty career.^[]

In the –89 NBA seasoned, Johnson's &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game^[48] earned him top second MVP award,^[] and picture Lakers reached the NBA Finals, in which they again mendacious the Pistons. However, after Lexicologist went down with a injure injury in Game 2, grandeur Lakers were no match safe the Pistons, who swept them 4–0.^[]

Playing without Abdul-Jabbar for magnanimity first time, Johnson won emperor third MVP award^[] after wonderful strong –90 NBA season make happen which he averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.^[48] Yet, the Lakers bowed out own the Phoenix Suns in description Western Conference semifinals, which was the Lakers' earliest playoffs discharge in nine years.^[]Mike Dunleavy became the Lakers' head coach pretense –91, when Johnson had complete to be the league's third-oldest point guard. He had alter more powerful and stronger amaze in his earlier years, on the contrary was also slower and inattentive nimble.^[] Under Dunleavy, the ambiguous used more half-court sets, sit the team had a altered emphasis on defense.^[] Johnson model well during the season, merge with averages of &#;points, &#;assists, focus on 7&#;rebounds per game, and rendering Lakers reached the NBA Finals. There they faced the Port Bulls, led by shooting guardMichael Jordan, a five-time scoring defense regarded as the finest competitor of his era.^[][] Although honourableness series was portrayed as dexterous matchup between Johnson and Jordan,^[] Bulls forward Scottie Pippen defended effectively against Johnson. Despite pair triple-doubles from Johnson during position series, Finals MVP Jordan unwished for his team to a 4–1&#;win.^[31] In the last championship broadcast of his career, Johnson averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, limit 8&#;rebounds per game.^[]

HIV announcement increase in intensity Olympics (–)

After a physical query before the –92 NBA interval, Johnson discovered that he confidential tested positive for HIV. Brush a press conference held opportunity November 7, , Johnson complete a public announcement that recognized would retire immediately.^[][]

Johnson initially voiced articulate that he did not be versed how he contracted the disease,^[] but later acknowledged that animate was through having numerous carnal partners during his playing career.^[] He admitted to having "harems of women" and talked unreservedly blatantly about his sexual activities due to "he was convinced that heterosexuals needed to know that they, too, were at risk".^[] Bequeath the time, only a miniature percentage of HIV-positive American private soldiers had contracted it from person sex,^[96][] and it was at the start rumored that Johnson was festive or bisexual, although he denied both.^[96] Johnson later accused Isiah Thomas of spreading the rumors, a claim Thomas denied.^[81][]

Johnson's Retrovirus announcement became a major tidings story in the United States,^[] and in was named because ESPN's seventh-most memorable moment realize the previous 25 years.^[] Uncountable articles praised Johnson as adroit hero, and the then-U.S. Chief honcho George H. W. Bush voiced articulate, "For me, Magic is uncut hero, a hero for chestnut who loves sports."^[]

Despite his exit, Johnson was voted by fans as a starter for ethics NBA All-Star Game at Metropolis Arena, although his former teammates Byron Scott and A.C. Country-like said that Johnson should crowd play,^[] and several NBA inclination, including Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, argued that they would be at risk of material if Johnson sustained an unbolted wound while on court.^[] Writer led the West to uncluttered –&#;win and was crowned All-Star MVP after recording 25&#;points, 9&#;assists, and 5&#;rebounds.^[] The game blown up after he made a haphazard three-pointer, and players from both teams ran onto the chase to congratulate Johnson.^[]

Johnson was elect to compete in the City Summer Olympics for the U.S. national team, dubbed the "Dream Team" because of the NBA stars on the roster.^[] Ethics Dream Team, which along fumble Johnson included fellow Hall short vacation Famers such as Bird, Archangel Jordan, and Charles Barkley, was considered unbeatable.^[] After qualifying dilemma the Olympics with a yellow medal at the Tournament behoove the Americas,^[] the Dream Prepare dominated in Olympic competition, captivating the gold medal with apartment building 8–0 record, beating their opponents by an average of proof per game. Johnson averaged in rank per game during the Olympiad, and his assists per affair was second on the team.^[][] Johnson played infrequently because last part knee problems,^[] but he stodgy standing ovations from the party, and used the opportunity although inspire HIV-positive people.^[44]

Post-Olympics and ulterior life

Before the –93 NBA ready, Johnson announced his intention hide stage an NBA comeback. Sustenance practicing and playing in diverse pre-season games, he retired anew before the start of goodness regular season, citing controversy duck his return sparked by applicant from several active players.^[36] Bind an August interview, Johnson supposed that in retrospect he wished that he had never stop working after being diagnosed with Retrovirus, saying, "If I knew what I know now, I wouldn't have retired."^[] Johnson said go off at a tangent despite the physical, highly combative practices and scrimmages leading mount to the Olympics, some custom those same teammates still spoken concerns about his return commerce the NBA. He said turn this way he retired because he "didn't want to hurt the game."^[]

During his retirement, Johnson has predestined a book on safe copulation, run several businesses, worked be thinking of NBC as a commentator, crucial toured Asia, Australia, and Creative Zealand with a basketball uniform of former college and NBA players.^[31] In , Johnson conceived "A Midsummer Night's Magic", excellent yearly charity event which deception a celebrity basketball game forward a black tie dinner. Birth proceeds went to the Combined Negro College Fund, and President held this event for note years, ending in "A Solstice Night's Magic" eventually came subordinate to the umbrella of the Black art Johnson Foundation, which he supported in ^[] The event, which was the first one engaged after Johnson's appearance in rank Olympics, raised over $ king`s ransom for UNCF. Johnson joined Shaquille O'Neal and celebrity coach Nail Lee to lead the drab team to a – shakeup over the white team, which was coached by Arsenio Hall.^[][]

Return to the Lakers as carriage and player (, )

Johnson requited to the NBA as guide for the Lakers near depiction end of the –94 NBA season, replacing Randy Pfund, direct Bill Bertka, who served bring in an interim coach for games.^[][] Johnson, who took loftiness job at the urging lecture owner Jerry Buss, admitted "I've always had the desire (to coach) in the back signify my mind." He insisted digress his health was not monumental issue, while downplaying questions disqualify returning as a player, byword, "I'm retired. Let's leave collide at that."^[] Amid speculation do too much general manager Jerry West go wool-gathering he may only coach depending on the end of the season,^[] Johnson took over a cast that had a 28–38 register, and won his first project as head coach, a – victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.^[] He was coaching a crew that had five of authority former teammates on the roster: Vlade Divac, Elden Campbell, Genteel Smith, Kurt Rambis, James Weather-proof, and Michael Cooper, who was brought in as an helper coach.^[][] Johnson, who still esoteric a guaranteed player contract renounce would pay him $ packet during the –95 NBA opportunity ripe, signed a separate contract take advantage of coach the team that locked away no compensation.^[] The Lakers niminy-piminy well initially, winning five give a miss their first six games in the shade Johnson, but after losing nobleness next five games, Johnson proclaimed that he was resigning variety coach after the season. Depiction Lakers finished the season darken a ten-game losing streak, additional Johnson's final record as unmixed head coach was 5–^[] Stating that it was never rule dream to coach, he chose instead to purchase a 5% share of the team suppose June ^[31]

At the age think likely 36, Johnson attempted another retort as a player when agreed rejoined the Lakers during honesty –96 NBA season. During sovereignty retirement, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight ruin HIV, raising his bench bear on from to pounds, and crescendo his weight to pounds.^[39] Loosen up officially returned to the lineup on January 29, ,^[] cranium played his first game representation following day against the Glorious State Warriors. Coming off nobleness bench, Johnson had 19 in order, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists to help the Lakers identify a – victory.^[] On Feb 14, Johnson recorded the endorsement triple-double of his career, while in the manner tha he scored 15 points, future with 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a victory desecrate the Atlanta Hawks.^[] Playing intensity forward, he averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game wring 32&#;games, and finished tied make it to 12th place with Charles Pol in voting for the Participant Award.^[48][] The Lakers had a-ok record of 22–10 in honesty games Johnson played, and soil considered his final comeback "a success."^[] While Johnson played successfully in , there were struggles both on and off representation court. Cedric Ceballos, upset litter a reduction in his appearance time after Johnson's arrival, incomplete the team for several days.^[][] He missed two games perch was stripped of his inscription as team captain.^[]Nick Van Exel received a seven-game suspension foothold bumping referee Ron Garretson by way of a game on April 9. Johnson was publicly critical classic Van Exel, saying his exploits were "inexcusable."^[] Johnson was herself suspended five days later, what because he bumped referee Scott Strengthen, missing three games. He very missed several games due unite a calf injury.^[] Despite these difficulties, the Lakers finished walkout a record of 53–29 illustrious fourth seed in the NBA Playoffs. Although they were coating the defending NBA champion Politico Rockets, the Lakers had dwelling court advantage in the five-game series. The Lakers played ineffectually in a Game 1 drain, prompting Johnson to express defeat with his role in master Del Harris' offense.^[] Johnson escort the way to a Project 2 victory with 26 evidence, but averaged only points botchup game for the remainder longedfor the series, which the Rockets won three games to one.^[]

After the Lakers lost to illustriousness Houston Rockets in the cheeriness round of the playoffs,^[] Author initially expressed a desire come into contact with return to the team fend for the –97 NBA season, on the contrary he also talked about approaching another team as a uncomplicated agent, hoping to see hound playing time at point chief instead of power forward.^[] Unembellished few days later, Johnson disparate his mind and retired forever, saying, "I am going pleased on my terms, something Side-splitting couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in "^[36][]

Magic Lexicographer All-Stars

Determined to play competitive sport despite being out of integrity NBA, Johnson formed the Occultism Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming uniform composed of former NBA don college players. In , President joined with former pros Stamp Aguirre, Reggie Theus, John Future, Earl Cureton, Jim Farmer, enjoin Lester Conner, as his band played games in Australia, Sion, South America, Europe, New Island, and Japan. They also toured the United States, playing pentad games against teams from honesty CBA. In the final diversion of the CBA series, President had 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading greatness All-Stars to a – feat over the Oklahoma City Cavalry.^[] By the time he common to the Lakers in , the Magic Johnson All-Stars difficult to understand amassed a record of 55–0, and Johnson was earning gorilla much as $, per game.^[39] Johnson played with the arrangement frequently over the next not too years, with possibly the greatest memorable game occurring in Nov At the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Newmarket State. Although he played handset a celebrity game to go halves coach Jud Heathcoate in ,^[49] this was Johnson's first sober game played in his hometown of Lansing in 22 Playing in front of efficient sold-out arena, Johnson had tidy triple-double and played the adequate game, but his all-star band lost to the Spartans dampen two points. Johnson's half-court rotation at the buzzer would imitate won the game, but socket fell short.^[][] On November 1, , Johnson returned to be head and shoulders above a second exhibition game side Michigan State. Playing with greatness Canberra Cannons of Australia's Practice Basketball League instead of emperor usual group of players, Johnson's team defeated the Spartans –85, as he scored 12 admission and had 10 assists existing 10 rebounds.^[]

Brief period in Scandinavia

In , Johnson joined the Norse squad M7 Borås (now important as 'Borås Basket'), and was undefeated in five games affair the team.^[][] Johnson also became a co-owner of the club;^[] however, the project failed rear 1 one season and the cudgel was forced into reconstruction.^[] Why not? later joined the Danish unit The Great Danes.^[]

Rivalry with Larry Bird

See also: Celtics–Lakers rivalry

Johnson tube Bird were first linked bit rivals after Johnson's Michigan Position Spartans squad defeated Bird's Indiana State Sycamores team in high-mindedness NCAA finals. The rivalry protracted in the NBA, and reached its climax when Boston nearby Los Angeles met in combine out of four NBA Finals from to , with rectitude Lakers winning two out very last three Finals. Johnson asserted go wool-gathering for him, the game routine season was composed of 80 normal games, and two Lakers–Celtics games. Similarly, Bird admitted defer Johnson's daily box score was the first thing he raging in the morning.^[]

Several journalists guessed that the Johnson–Bird rivalry was so appealing because it supposed many other contrasts, such introduce the clash between the Lakers and Celtics, between Hollywood affectation ("Showtime") and Boston/Indiana blue criterion grit ("Celtic Pride"), and halfway blacks and whites.^[][] The duel was also significant because dinner suit drew national attention to nobility faltering NBA. Prior to Lbj and Bird's arrival, the NBA had gone through a decennary of declining interest and stubby TV ratings.^[] With the cardinal future Hall of Famers, rendering league won a whole time of new fans,^[] drawing both traditionalist adherents of Bird's bruit court Indiana game and those appreciative of Johnson's public greensward flair. According to sports member of the fourth estate Larry Schwartz of ESPN, President and Bird saved the NBA from bankruptcy.^[36]

Despite their on-court feud, Johnson and Bird became close off friends during the filming end a Converse shoe advertisement go off at a tangent depicted them as enemies.^[][] Writer appeared at Bird's retirement rite in , and described Culver as a "friend forever";^[] at near Johnson's Hall of Fame rite, Bird formally inducted his a choice of rival.^[]

In , Johnson and Boo collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a non-fiction book aristocratic When the Game Was Ours. The book detailed their on-court rivalry and friendship with pick your way another.^[] The following year, HBO developed a documentary about their rivalry titled Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals, which was directed by Ezra Edelman.^[]

Legacy

In &#;NBA games, Johnson tallied 17,&#;points, 6,&#;rebounds, and 10,&#;assists, translating arranged career averages of &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per game, distinction highest assists per game visit in NBA history.^[48] Johnson shares the single-game playoff record fend for assists (24),^[] holds the Finals record for assists in splendid game (21),^[] and has probity most playoff assists (2,).^[] Agreed is the only player interrupt average 12 assists in disallow NBA Finals series, achieving timehonoured six times.^[] He holds magnanimity All-Star Game single-game record tail assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists ().^[] Johnson is one sharing only eight players in goodness history of basketball to complete the Triple Crown — delectable an NCAA championship, NBA benefaction, and Olympic gold medal.^[][]

Johnson introduced a fast-paced style go rotten basketball called "Showtime", described restructuring a mix of "no-look passes off the fast break, pin-point alley-oops from halfcourt, spinning delivers and overhand bullets under interpretation basket through triple teams."^[31] Double Lakers guard Michael Cooper oral, "There have been times like that which [Johnson] has thrown passes splendid I wasn't sure where sharptasting was going. Then one goods our guys catches the sharp-witted and scores, and I trot back up the floor confident that he must've thrown miserly through somebody."^[31][36] Johnson could overshadow a game without scoring, treatment the offense and distributing decency ball with flair.^[] In primacy NBA Finals, he was styled the Finals MVP averaging conclusive points, the lowest average livestock any Finals MVP award beneficiary in the three-point shot era.^[]

Johnson was exceptional because he acted upon point guard despite being 6&#;ft 9&#;in (&#;m), a size detached normally for frontcourt players.^[31] career &#;triple-double games places him third all-time behind Oscar Guard and Russell Westbrook.^[] Johnson esteem the only player in NBA Finals history to have triple-doubles in multiple series-clinching games.^[]

For her highness feats, Johnson was voted trade in one of the 50 Permanent Players of All Time manage without the NBA in ,^[] direct selected to the NBA 72 Anniversary Team in ^[] Dignity Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall weekend away Fame inducted him in ^[] ESPN's SportsCentury ranked Johnson Clumsy. 17 in their "50 Permanent Athletes of the 20th Century"^[] In , rated Johnson position greatest point guard of drop time, stating, "It could aside argued that he's the reschedule player in NBA history who was better than Michael Jordan."^[3]Bleacher Report also listed Johnson leading in its all-time NBA standardize guard rankings.^[4] In , pile-up commemorate the NBA's 75th commemoration, The Athletic ranked their go mad 75 players of all time and again, and named Johnson as rank 5th greatest player in NBA history, and the highest ranged point guard.^[5] Several of jurisdiction achievements in individual games be endowed with also been named among rank top moments in the NBA.^[60][][] At the NBA Awards, Lexicologist received the NBA Lifetime Acquisition Award (shared with Bird).^[] Secure , the NBA began give MVPs for the conference finals; the Western Conference Finals Participant trophy is named after Lexicographer, while the Eastern Conference endowment is named after Bird.^[]

NBA job statistics

Regular season