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Magic Johnson Career
Magic Johnson was a great basketball player and we can say one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But what many don’t know is that Magic’s success on the court is only a small part of his story.
Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Magic Johnson had to overcome a lot of obstacles in his life to get where he is today. From a difficult childhood to a successful career in the NBA, Magic has always been a fighter.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at Magic Johnson career, from his early days as a basketball prodigy to his present-day status as a business and philanthropic leader. We’ll also explore some of his greatest accomplishments, both on and off the court.
Early Life and Education
Magic Johnson was born Earvin Johnson Jr. on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He was the fifth child of Christine and Earvin Sr., who worked in a General Motors factory.
His mother had eight children in total, four of whom died in infancy. Johnson’s father would often beat his wife and children, which led to their separation when Magic was just six years old.
Johnson began playing basketball at an early age and by the time he was a freshman in high school, he was already 6’3″. He continued to grow and by the time he graduated from Everett High School, he was 6’7″.
During his senior year, he led his team to a state championship and was named Mr. Basketball of Michigan.
After high school, Johnson attended Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship. As a freshman, he helped lead the Spartans to an NCAA Championship victory over Indiana State University, which featured fellow future NBA star Larry Bird.
In his sophomore year, Johnson averaged 20 points per game and 9 assists per game, making him the first player in NCAA history to average those numbers. He also set a still-standing NCAA record with 17 assists in one game.
Start of career
Magic Johnson was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He quickly became one of the best players in the league, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1980.
In his second season, Johnson helped lead the Lakers to an NBA Championship, and was named the Finals MVP.
Throughout his career, Johnson was one of the most dominant players in the league. He was a 12-time All-Star, and was named to the All-Star Game MVP three times. He was also a five-time NBA champion, and was named Finals MVP on three occasions.
Johnson is also one of only two players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds per game for their career. The other player is Oscar Robertson.
Peak of career
In his 13 NBA seasons, Magic Johnson was one of the most dominant players in the league. He is one of only two players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds per game for their career.
Johnson’s peak came during the 1986-87 season when he averaged 23.9 points per game, 12.2 assists per game, and 6.9 rebounds per game. That season, he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player and led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA Championship.
He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Star Game MVP. During his career, Johnson was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a 3-time NBA Finals MVP.
Accomplishments
In his 13 NBA seasons, Magic Johnson was one of the most dominant players in the league, averaging 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds per game.
He won the NBA Championship in 1986-87, was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, and led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA Championship.
He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Star Game MVP. During his career, Johnson was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a 3-time NBA Finals MVP.
Johnson’s individual accomplishments are just as impressive as his team accomplishments. He is one of only two players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds per game for their career.
He is also ninth on the all-time list for steals, with 1,724. In addition, he holds the top marks for most All-Star Game assists (127) and three-point baskets (10).
Throughout his career, Magic Johnson was one of the most popular and recognizable players in the league. His large frame and signature smile made him a fan favorite, and he was known for his outgoing personality off the court.
He was also one of the first African American players to achieve mainstream popularity in the NBA.
Awards and records
Johnson was a 10-time NBA All-Star and a 3-time NBA Finals MVP. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-Star Game MVP.
Throughout his career, Johnson was one of the most dominant players in the league and is one of only two players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds per game for their career.
In addition, he is ninth on the all-time list for steals, with 1,724. He has the top marks for most three-point baskets (10) and All-Star Game assists (127).