Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson, Legendary Basketball Player

Earvin Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, grew up in Lansing, Michigan, with nine siblings. Focused enough to rise at 7:30 in the morning to play basketball on local courts, at age 15 he drew attention for his “uncanny ability to see plays before they developed,” which prompted a local sports writer to nickname him “Magic.” 

Earvin went on to lead his high school team to the Michigan state title, averaging an impressive 28.8 points and 16.8 rebounds per game. Magic was big for a point guard, at 6 foot 9 inches, but was unusually agile. When he joined the Big Ten Michigan State team, Magic was an “immediate superstar,” leading the mediocre team to success. In 1979, Michigan faced undefeated Indiana State for the national title, and won 75-64. The game is still the most-watched college basketball match-up in history.

Johnson’s basketball achievements are seemingly endless. According to the NBA encyclopedia, “Johnson accomplished virtually everything a player could dream of during his 13-year NBA career.” Magic only played for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five championships, racking up numerous Most Valuable Player awards, and an Olympic gold medal on the original Dream Team in 1992.

Johnson has not rested on his laurels since retiring from professional basketball. Instead, he’s launched himself into other projects including investment in urban neighborhoods. According to the Los Angeles Times, Magic even met with gang members in Los Angeles to ask that they keep violence away from the public theater he was building in the city. The theater has remained a peaceful place.

Part of Magic’s legacy is his cheerful demeanor and his crusade against HIV, which he was diagnosed with in 1991. Fellow NBA superstar Larry Bird told ESPN of Magic, “every time I see him, I’m happier.”