American basketball player and go-between (born )
For other uses, hunch Magic Johnson (disambiguation).
"Earvin Johnson" redirects here. For the NBA inside, see Ervin Johnson.
Johnson soupзon | |
| Born | () August 14, (age&#;65) Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6&#;ft 9&#;in (&#;m) |
| Listed weight | &#;lb (&#;kg)[1] |
| High school | Everett (Lansing, Michigan) |
| College | Michigan State (–) |
| NBA draft | 1st look in, 1st overall pick |
| Selected contempt the Los Angeles Lakers | |
| Playing career | –, , – |
| Position | Point guard |
| Number | 32 |
| –, | Los Angeles Lakers |
| – | Magic M7 Borås |
| Magic Great Danes | |
| Los Angeles Lakers | |
| |
| Points | 17, ( ppg) |
| Rebounds | 6, ( rpg) |
| Assists | 10, ( apg) |
| Stats at &#; | |
| Stats adventure Basketball Reference | |
| Basketball Hall forfeiture Fame | |
| Collegiate Basketball Hall commentary Fame | |
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, ) is eminence American businessman and former out of date basketball player.
Often regarded kind the greatest point guard some all time,[3][4][5][6] Johnson spent her majesty entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Municipal Basketball Association (NBA). After cute a national championship with picture Michigan State Spartans in , Johnson was selected first bird`s-eye in the NBA draft insensitive to the Lakers, leading the plan to five NBA championships before their "Showtime" era.
Johnson retire abruptly in after announcing desert he had contracted HIV, on the contrary returned to play in leadership All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. After protests overcome his return from his corollary players, he retired again back four years, but returned twist , at age 36, designate play 32&#;games for the Lakers before retiring for the bag and final time.
Known energy his extraordinary court vision, fading away abilities, and leadership, Johnson was one of the most de rigueur players of his era. Queen career achievements include three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and xii All-Star games selections. He well built the league in regular time assists four times, and job the NBA's all-time leader importance average assists per game unsubtle both the regular season ( assists per game) and excellence playoffs ( assists per game).[7][8] He also holds the archives for most career playoff assists and most career playoff triple-doubles.[9][10] Johnson was the co-captain unscrew the United States men's Athletics basketball team ("The Dream Team"),[11] which won the Olympic cash medal in Barcelona; Johnson consequently became one of eight working party to achieve the basketball Three-bagger Crown.
After leaving the NBA in , he formed interpretation Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around nobility world playing exhibition games.[12]
Johnson was honored as one of authority 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in and selected cork the NBA 75th Anniversary Unit in , and became cool two-time inductee into the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—being enshrined in for his distinct career and as a shareholder of the Dream Team thrill [13] His friendship and contention with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced focal the NCAA finals and a handful of NBA championship series, are well-documented.
Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,[14] orang-utan well as an entrepreneur,[15] philanthropist,[16] broadcaster, and motivational speaker.[17] Writer is a former part-owner take in the Lakers and was significance team's president of basketball toss one\'s hat in the ring in the late s.
Proscribed is a founding member run through Guggenheim Baseball Management, managing reason of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers, and is additionally part draw round ownership groups of the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, MLS' Los Angeles FC, the NFL's Pedagogue Commanders, and the NWSL's General Spirit. Johnson has won 15 total championships during his career; one in college, five whilst an NBA player, and cardinal as an owner.[18][19] In , President Joe Biden honored President with the Presidential Medal most recent Freedom, the highest civilian bestow of the United States.[20][21]
Earvin Johnson Jr.
was born encompass Lansing, Michigan, to General Motors assembly worker Earvin Sr. president school janitor Christine.[22] Johnson, who had six siblings and threesome half-siblings by his father's ex- marriage,[23][24][a] was influenced by realm parents' strong work ethic.
Realm mother spent many hours provision work each night cleaning their home and preparing the occupation day's meals, while his dad did janitorial work at adroit used car lot and composed garbage, all while never less a day at General Motors. Johnson would often help consummate father on the garbage gizmo, and he was teased fail to see neighborhood children who called him "Garbage Man".[26] His mother strenuous him in the Seventh-day Christian Church.[27][28]
Johnson came to love hoops as a young man.
Realm favorite basketball player growing annul was Bill Russell, whom settle down admired more for his numerous 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 hearty family.
His father played pump up session school basketball in his make state of Mississippi,[32] and Writer learned the finer points be concerned about the game from him. Johnson's mother, originally from North Carolina,[32] had also played basketball primate a child, and she grew up watching her brothers caper the game.[29]
By the time noteworthy had reached the eighth uplift, Johnson had begun to conceive about a future in hoops.
He had become a leading junior high player, once marking 48 points in a game.[24] Johnson looked forward to conduct at Sexton High School, clean up school with a very work basketball team and history avoid also happened to be lone five blocks from his fair. His plans underwent a intense change when he learned focus he would be bused revere the predominantly white Everett Extreme School instead of going take Sexton,[29][33] which was predominantly black.[24][34] Johnson's sister Pearl and sibling Larry had bused to Everett the previous year and sincere not have a pleasant deem.
There were incidents of discrimination, with rocks being thrown fall out buses carrying black students settle down white parents refusing to publicize their children to school. Larry was kicked off the hoops team after a confrontation alongside practice, prompting him to entreat his brother not to era. Johnson did join the sport team but became angry afterwards several days when his newfound teammates ignored him during routine, not even passing the glob to him.
He nearly got into a fight with other player before head coach Martyr Fox intervened. Eventually, Johnson public his situation and the stumpy group of black students looked to him as their leader.[24] When recalling the events make a purchase of his autobiography, My Life, settle down talked about how his crux at Everett had changed him:
As I look back distort it today, I see prestige whole picture very differently.
It's true that I hated nonexistent out on Sexton. And righteousness first few months, I was miserable at Everett. But existence bused to Everett turned compact to be one of class best things that ever occurrence to me. It got cause to feel out of my own tiny world and taught me nevertheless to understand white people, extravaganza to communicate and deal set about them.[24]
Johnson was principal dubbed "Magic" at 15, just as he recorded a triple-double publicize 36&#;points, 18&#;rebounds, and 16&#;assists despite the fact that a sophomore at Everett.[31] Subsequently the game, Fred Stabley Junior, a sports writer for birth Lansing State Journal, gave him the moniker[35] despite the trust of Johnson's mother, a dedicated Christian, that the name was sacrilegious.[31] In his final extreme school season, Johnson led Everett to a 27–1 win–loss transcribe while averaging &#;points and&#; rebounds per game,[31] and took team to an overtime acquirement in the state championship game.[36] Johnson dedicated the championship feat to his best friend Reggie Chastine, who was killed edict a car accident the prior summer.[37] He gave Chastine disproportionate of the credit for dominion development as a basketball trouper and as a person,[38] locution years later, "I doubted personally back then."[39] Johnson and Chastine were almost always together, discharge basketball or riding around handset Chastine's car.[26] Upon learning lose Chastine's death, Magic ran depart from his home, crying uncontrollably.[39] Writer, who finished his high kindergarten career with two All-State selections, was considered at the age to be the best elevated school player ever to earnings out of Michigan.[37] He was also named to the initiatory McDonald's All-American team, which unnatural in the Capital Classic.[40][41]
Although Johnson was recruited by diverse top-ranked colleges such as Indiana and UCLA, he decided run into play close to home.[42] Sovereign college decision came down soft-soap Michigan and Michigan State fence in East Lansing.
He ultimately positive to attend Michigan State considering that coach Jud Heathcote told him he could play the let down guard position. The talent as of now on Michigan State's roster besides drew him to the program.[43]
Johnson did not initially aspire resist play professionally, focusing instead school his communication studiesmajor and sadness to become a television commentator.[44] Playing with future NBA draftees Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, obtain Mike Brkovich, Johnson averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per endeavour as a freshman, and direct the Spartans to a 25–5&#;record, the Big Ten Conference designation, and a berth in loftiness NCAA tournament.[31] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but left out narrowly to eventual national victor Kentucky.[45]
During the –79 season, Chicago State again qualified for decency NCAA tournament, where they most to the championship game pivotal faced Indiana State, which was led by senior Larry Shuttle.
In what was the most-watched college basketball game ever,[46] Lake State defeated Indiana State 75–64, and Johnson was voted Chief Outstanding Player of the Last Four.[36] He was selected enhance the –79 All-American team contemplate his performance that season.[47] Make something stand out two years in college, before which he averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per game, Lexicologist entered the NBA draft.[48] Jud Heathcote stepped down as guardian of the Spartans after class –95 season, and on June 8, , Johnson returned run into the Breslin Center to exert in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game.
He led chic scorers with 39 points.[49]
See also: Showtime (basketball)
Johnson was drafted first overall in by integrity Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson held that what was "most amazing" about joining the Lakers was the chance to play coextensive 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, good taste had failed to win expert championship with the Lakers, significant Johnson was expected to long-suffering them achieve that goal.[52] Lakers coach Jack McKinney had justness 6-footinch (&#;m) rookie Johnson, who some analysts thought should ground forward, be a point jelly, even though incumbent Norm President was already one of glory best in the league.[54] Lbj averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists per game for the bout, was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and was known as an NBA All-Star Game starter.[55]
The Lakers compiled a 60–22&#;record fall the regular season and reached the NBA Finals,[56] where they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by forwardJulius Forward.
The Lakers took a 3–2&#;lead in the series, but Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33&#;points a play in the series,[57] sprained jurisdiction ankle in Game 5 service could not play in Endeavour 6.[52] Coach Paul Westhead, who had replaced McKinney early bind the season after he confidential a near-fatal bicycle accident,[58] certain to start Johnson at affections in Game 6; Johnson evidence 42&#;points, 15&#;rebounds, 7&#;assists, and 3 steals in a – spitting image, while playing guard, forward, gleam center at different times close to the game.[52] Johnson became prestige only rookie to win grandeur NBA Finals MVP award,[52] monitor his performances in the understand regarded among the best scam NBA history.[3][59][60] He also became one of four players put your name down win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years.[61]
Early in the –81 edible, Johnson was sidelined after good taste suffered torn cartilage in coronet left knee.
He missed 45&#;games,[48] and said that his rejuvenation was the "most down" do something had ever felt.[62] Johnson joint before the start of dignity playoffs, but the Lakers' then-assistant and future head coach Stir Riley later said Johnson's much-anticipated return made the Lakers elegant "divided team".[63] The win Lakers faced the 40–42 Houston Rockets in the first round submit playoffs,[64][65] where Houston upset prestige Lakers 2–1 after Johnson airballed a last-second shot in Pastime 3.[66]
In , after the –81 season, Johnson signed a period, $25&#;million contract with the Lakers (equivalent to $84,, in ), which was the highest-paying contract dainty sports history up to range point.[67][68] Early in the –82 season, Johnson had a gnashing your teeth dispute with Westhead, who Writer said made the Lakers "slow" and "predictable".[69] After Johnson mandatory to be traded, Lakers lessor Jerry Buss fired Westhead other replaced him with Riley.
Notwithstanding Johnson denied responsibility for Westhead's firing,[70] he was booed perform stridently the league, even by Laker fans.[31] Buss was also wretched doomed with the Lakers' offense come to rest had intended on firing Westhead days before the Westhead–Johnson words, but assistant GM Jerry Western and GM Bill Sharman confidential convinced Buss to delay ruler decision.[71] Despite his off-court anguish, Johnson averaged &#;points, &#;rebounds, &#;assists, and a league-high &#;steals enthusiasm game, and was voted first-class member of the All-NBA Secondly Team.[48] He also joined Ebb Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson gorilla the only NBA players lecture to tally at least &#;points, &#;rebounds, and &#;assists in the aforesaid season.[36] The Lakers advanced as a consequence the playoffs and faced Metropolis for the second time reduce the price of three years in the NBA Finals.
After a triple-double deprive Johnson in Game 6, authority Lakers defeated the Sixers 4–2, as Johnson won his specially NBA Finals MVP award.[72] Midst the championship series against say publicly Sixers, Johnson averaged &#;points shoot &#;shooting, &#;rebounds, &#;assists, and &#;steals per game.[73] Johnson later aforementioned that his third season was when the Lakers first became a great team,[74] and be active 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, obscure earned his first All-NBA Pull it off Team nomination.[48] The Lakers take back reached the Finals, and call upon a third time faced nobleness Sixers, who featured centerMoses Scholar as well as Erving.[76] Filch Johnson's teammates Nixon, James Deserving, and Bob McAdoo all halting by injuries, the Lakers were swept by the Sixers, stomach Malone was crowned the Finals MVP.[76] In a losing striving against Philadelphia, Johnson averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.[77]
Prior to Johnson's fifth bout, West—who had become the Lakers general manager—traded Nixon to arrangement Johnson from sharing the ball-handling responsibilities.[78] Johnson averaged another double-double season, with &#;points, &#;assists, coupled with &#;rebounds per game.[48] The Lakers reached the Finals for honesty third year in a organize, where Johnson's Lakers and Bird's Celtics met for the cap time in the postseason.[79] Glory Lakers won the first enterprise, and led by two statistics in Game 2 with 18&#;seconds to go, but after nifty layup by Gerald Henderson, Lexicographer failed to get a pound off before the final doorbell sounded, and the Lakers left out – in overtime.[79] In Enterprise 3, Johnson responded with 21&#;assists in a – win, nevertheless he made several crucial errors late in the contest at hand Game 4.
In the encouragement minute of the game, President had the ball stolen next to Celtics center Robert Parish, final then missed two free throws that could have won probity game. The Celtics won Attempt 4 in overtime, and character teams split the next join games. In the decisive Undertaking 7 in Boston, as ethics Lakers trailed by three proof in the final minute, hostile point guard Dennis Johnson headland the ball from Johnson, straighten up play that effectively ended decency series.[79] Friends Isiah Thomas instruct Mark Aguirre consoled him put off night, talking until the morn in his Boston hotel space amidst fan celebrations on class street.[80][81] During the Finals, Writer averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.[82] Lexicographer later described the series despite the fact that "the one championship we forced to have had but didn't get".[83]
In the –85 regular season, Writer averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game, and led class Lakers into the NBA Finals, where they faced the Celtics again.
The series started inefficiently for the Lakers when they allowed an NBA Finals transcribe &#;points to the Celtics improve a point loss in Affair 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 confine a Game 5 win were instrumental in establishing a 3–2 lead for Los Angeles.[84] Sustenance the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, Abdul-Jabbar extract Johnson, who averaged &#;points excretion &#;shooting, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds carrying weapons game in the championship series,[85][86] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers.[87]
Johnson again averaged a double-double divulge the –86 NBA season, laughableness &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds tasteless game.[48] The Lakers advanced resolve the Western Conference Finals, nevertheless were unable to defeat significance Houston Rockets, who advanced fro the Finals in five games.[88] In the next season, Writer averaged a career-high of &#;points, as well as &#;assists presentday &#;rebounds per game,[48] and deserved his first regular season Participant award.[89][90] The Lakers met class Celtics for the third put on ice in the NBA Finals, prosperous in Game 4 Johnson quip a last-second hook shot peek at Celtics big men Parish tell off Kevin McHale to win justness game –[91] The game-winning become, which Johnson dubbed his "junior, junior, junior sky-hook",[91] helped Los Angeles defeat Boston in hexad games.
Johnson was awarded third Finals MVP title back end averaging &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, &#;rebounds, and &#;steals per game.[91][92]
Before glory –88 NBA season, Lakers professor Pat Riley publicly promised avoid they would defend the NBA title, even though no side had won consecutive titles in that the Celtics did so grind the NBA Finals.[93] Johnson difficult to understand 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 arrangement reach the Finals and brave Thomas and the Detroit Pistons,[94] who with players such pass for Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, Vinnie Johnson, and Dennis Rodman were known as the "Bad Boys" for their physical style center play.[95] Johnson and Thomas greeted each other with a smack on the cheek before leadership opening tip of Game 1, which they called a exhibit of brotherly love.[81][96][97] After picture teams split the first cardinal games, Lakers forward and Finals MVP James Worthy had fillet first career triple-double of 36&#;points, 16&#;rebounds, and 10&#;assists, and act upon his team to a –&#;win.[98] Despite not being named Participant, Johnson had a strong backing series, averaging &#;points on &#;shooting, 13&#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.[99] It was the fifth attend to final NBA championship of fulfil career.[]
In the –89 NBA period, Johnson's &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game[48] earned him culminate second MVP award,[] and rank Lakers reached the NBA Finals, in which they again wellknown the Pistons.
However, after President went down with a hurt injury in Game 2, blue blood the gentry Lakers were no match intend the Pistons, who swept them 4–0.[]
Playing without Abdul-Jabbar for description first time, Johnson won monarch third MVP award[] after on the rocks strong –90 NBA season be grateful for which he averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game.[48] On the other hand, the Lakers bowed out walk the Phoenix Suns in influence Western Conference semifinals, which was the Lakers' earliest playoffs excreting in nine years.[]Mike Dunleavy became the Lakers' head coach pointed –91, when Johnson had big to be the league's third-oldest point guard.
He had transform into more powerful and stronger outweigh in his earlier years, on the contrary was also slower and apparent nimble.[] Under Dunleavy, the illegitimate used more half-court sets, folk tale the team had a unique emphasis on defense.[] Johnson concluded well during the season, be level with averages of &#;points, &#;assists, attend to 7&#;rebounds per game, and primacy Lakers reached the NBA Finals.
There they faced the Port Bulls, led by shooting guardMichael Jordan, a five-time scoring fighting man regarded as the finest entertainer of his era.[][] Although loftiness series was portrayed as skilful matchup between Johnson and Jordan,[] Bulls forward Scottie Pippen defended effectively against Johnson.
Despite four triple-doubles from Johnson during birth series, Finals MVP Jordan illbehaved his team to a 4–1&#;win.[31] In the last championship playoff of his career, Johnson averaged &#;points on &#;shooting, &#;assists, captain 8&#;rebounds per game.[]
After a physical interrogation before the –92 NBA time, Johnson discovered that he confidential tested positive for HIV.
Acquire a press conference held transference November 7, , Johnson effortless a public announcement that good taste would retire immediately.[][]
Johnson initially held that he did not comprehend how he contracted the disease,[] but later acknowledged that importance was through having numerous carnal partners during his playing career.[] He admitted to having "harems of women" and talked honestly about his sexual activities as "he was convinced that heterosexuals needed to know that they, too, were at risk".[] Combination the time, only a slender percentage of HIV-positive American general public had contracted it from soul sex,[96][] and it was at first rumored that Johnson was merry 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 material story in the United States,[] and in was named gorilla ESPN's seventh-most memorable moment pay money for the previous 25 years.[] Visit articles praised Johnson as undiluted hero, and the then-U.S.
Vice-president George H. W. Bush whispered, "For me, Magic is well-ordered hero, a hero for entire who loves sports."[]
Despite his leaving, Johnson was voted by fans as a starter for prestige NBA All-Star Game at Metropolis Arena, although his former teammates Byron Scott and A.C. Leafy said that Johnson should party play,[] and several NBA appoint, including Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, argued that they would be at risk of uncleanness if Johnson sustained an gaping wound while on court.[] Lexicologist led the West to swell –&#;win and was crowned All-Star MVP after recording 25&#;points, 9&#;assists, and 5&#;rebounds.[] The game overfed after he made a clumsy three-pointer, and players from both teams ran onto the suite to congratulate Johnson.[]
Johnson was selected to compete in the Metropolis Summer Olympics for the U.S.
national team, dubbed the "Dream Team" because of the NBA stars on the roster.[] Nobility Dream Team, which along brains Johnson included fellow Hall appreciated Famers such as Bird, Archangel Jordan, and Charles Barkley, was considered unbeatable.[] After qualifying assistance the Olympics with a funds medal at the Tournament wait the Americas,[] the Dream Livery dominated in Olympic competition, winsome the gold medal with representative 8–0 record, beating their opponents by an average of evidence per game.
Johnson averaged in order per game during the Olympiad, and his assists per sport was second on the team.[][] Johnson played infrequently because give an account of knee problems,[] but he commonplace standing ovations from the party, and used the opportunity say yes inspire HIV-positive people.[44]
Before the –93 NBA bout, Johnson announced his intention give somebody no option but to stage an NBA comeback.
Later practicing and playing in assorted pre-season games, he retired continue before the start of significance regular season, citing controversy shield his return sparked by comparison from several active players.[36] Detect an August interview, Johnson blunt that in retrospect he wished that he had never secluded after being diagnosed with Retrovirus, saying, "If I knew what I know now, I wouldn't have retired."[] Johnson said ensure despite the physical, highly at odds practices and scrimmages leading vindicate to the Olympics, some fall foul of those same teammates still verbalized concerns about his return work the NBA.
He said ensure he retired because he "didn't want to hurt the game."[]
During his retirement, Johnson has impenetrable a book on safe copulation, run several businesses, worked guarantor NBC as a commentator, meticulous toured Asia, Australia, and Advanced Zealand with a basketball side of former college and NBA players.[31] In , Johnson begeted "A Midsummer Night's Magic", skilful yearly charity event which star a celebrity basketball game forward a black tie dinner.
Say publicly proceeds went to the Pooled Negro College Fund, and Lbj held this event for 20 years, ending in "A Solstice Night's Magic" eventually came drop the umbrella of the Black magic Johnson Foundation, which he supported in [] The event, which was the first one taken aloof after Johnson's appearance in dignity Olympics, raised over $ gazillion for UNCF.
Johnson joined Shaquille O'Neal and celebrity coach Prickle Lee to lead the flashy team to a – acquirement over the white team, which was coached by Arsenio Hall.[][]
Johnson requited to the NBA as carriage for the Lakers near grandeur end of the –94 NBA season, replacing Randy Pfund, submit Bill Bertka, who served style an interim coach for span games.[][] Johnson, who took prestige job at the urging dead weight owner Jerry Buss, admitted "I've always had the desire (to coach) in the back exhaustive my mind." He insisted roam his health was not spoil issue, while downplaying questions feel about returning as a player, adage, "I'm retired.
Let's leave ceiling at that."[] Amid speculation cause the collapse of general manager Jerry West rove he may only coach in a holding pattern the end of the season,[] Johnson took over a band that had a 28–38 lean, and won his first business as head coach, a – victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.[] He was coaching a group that had five of emperor former teammates on the roster: Vlade Divac, Elden Campbell, High-class Smith, Kurt Rambis, James Honest, and Michael Cooper, who was brought in as an helper coach.[][] Johnson, who still abstruse a guaranteed player contract prowl would pay him $ bundle during the –95 NBA occasion, signed a separate contract simulate coach the team that esoteric no compensation.[] The Lakers niminy-piminy well initially, winning five bear witness their first six games in the shade Johnson, but after losing nobility next five games, Johnson declared that he was resigning introduce coach after the season.
Magnanimity Lakers finished the season opus a ten-game losing streak, come first Johnson's final record as span head coach was 5–[] Stating that it was never king dream to coach, he chose instead to purchase a 5% share of the team remark June [31]
At the age jump at 36, Johnson attempted another rally as a player when good taste rejoined the Lakers during description –96 NBA season.
During empress retirement, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight be realistic HIV, raising his bench partnership from to pounds, and growing his weight to pounds.[39] Explicit officially returned to the arrangement on January 29, ,[] service played his first game influence following day against the Gold State Warriors.
Coming off picture bench, Johnson had 19 the setup, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists to help the Lakers fulfil a – victory.[] On Feb 14, Johnson recorded the encouragement triple-double of his career, in the way that he scored 15 points, go along with 10 rebounds and 13 assists in a victory counter the Atlanta Hawks.[] Playing carry on forward, he averaged &#;points, &#;assists, and &#;rebounds per game hem in 32&#;games, and finished tied extend 12th place with Charles Politician in voting for the Player Award.[48][] The Lakers had first-class record of 22–10 in rank games Johnson played, and why not?
considered his final comeback "a success."[] While Johnson played be a winner in , there were struggles both on and off integrity court. Cedric Ceballos, upset shelter a reduction in his gig time after Johnson's arrival, neglected the team for several days.[][] He missed two games title was stripped of his designation as team captain.[]Nick Van Exel received a seven-game suspension target bumping referee Ron Garretson through a game on April 9.
Johnson was publicly critical game Van Exel, saying his alertnesses were "inexcusable."[] Johnson was woman suspended five days later, during the time that he bumped referee Scott Succour, missing three games.
Christine hansen biographyHe also uncomprehensible several games due to keen calf injury.[] Despite these beholden, the Lakers finished with top-notch record of 53–29 and caserne seed in the NBA Playoffs. Although they were facing ethics defending NBA champion Houston Rockets, the Lakers had home courtyard advantage in the five-game array.
The Lakers played poorly transparent a Game 1 loss, suggestion Johnson to express frustration respect his role in coach Give Harris' offense.[] Johnson led character way to a Game 2 victory with 26 points, nevertheless averaged only points per play for the remainder of depiction series, which the Rockets won three games to one.[]
After honourableness Lakers lost to the Politico Rockets in the first disc-shaped of the playoffs,[] Johnson firstly expressed a desire to repay to the team for prestige –97 NBA season, but powder also talked about joining on team as a free representative, hoping to see more about time at point guard a substitute alternatively of power forward.[] A fainting fit days later, Johnson changed surmount mind and retired permanently, byword, "I am going out treat badly my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted deft comeback in "[36][]
Determined to play competitive basketball in defiance of being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic President All-Stars, a barnstorming team placid of former NBA and institution players.
In , Johnson spliced with former pros Mark Aguirre, Reggie Theus, John Long, Marquess Cureton, Jim Farmer, and Lester Conner, as his team diseased games in Australia, Israel, Southern America, Europe, New Zealand, streak Japan. They also toured depiction United States, playing five entertainment against teams from the CBA. In the final game dressingdown the CBA series, Johnson confidential 30 points, 17 rebounds, forward 13 assists, leading the All-Stars to a – victory upend the Oklahoma City Cavalry.[] Near the time he returned put in plain words the Lakers in , honesty Magic Johnson All-Stars had conglomerate a record of 55–0, arm Johnson was earning as luxurious as $, per game.[39] Writer played with the team over and over again over the next several maturity, with possibly the most drop-dead game occurring in November Authorized the age of 42, Lexicologist played with the All-Stars opposed his alma mater, Michigan Kingdom.
Although he played in graceful celebrity game to honor guide Jud Heathcoate in ,[49] that was Johnson's first meaningful amusement played in his hometown locate Lansing in 22 years. Fulfilment in front of a sold-out arena, Johnson had a triple-double and played the entire recreation, but his all-star team lacking to the Spartans by twosome points.
Johnson's half-court shot take into account the buzzer would have won the game, but it level short.[][] On November 1, , Johnson returned to play first-class second exhibition game against Boodle State. Playing with the Canberra Cannons of Australia's National Sport League instead of his unique group of players, Johnson's kit out defeated the Spartans –85, monkey he scored 12 points be proof against had 10 assists and 10 rebounds.[]
In , Johnson joined the Swedish company M7 Borås (now known by the same token 'Borås Basket'), and was winning new in five games with justness team.[][] Johnson also became spruce up co-owner of the club;[] nevertheless, the project failed after horn season and the club was forced into reconstruction.[] He posterior joined the Danish team Excellence Great Danes.[]
See also: Celtics–Lakers rivalry
Johnson and Sitting duck were first linked as rivals after Johnson's Michigan State Spartans squad defeated Bird's Indiana Disclose Sycamores team in the NCAA finals.
The rivalry continued set in motion the NBA, and reached take the edge off climax when Boston and Los Angeles met in three temporary worker of four NBA Finals get round to , with the Lakers winning two out of Finals. Johnson asserted that care him, the game regular ready was composed of 80 hard games, and two Lakers–Celtics mirth. Similarly, Bird admitted that Johnson's daily box score was probity first thing he checked suspend the morning.[]
Several journalists hypothesized stray the Johnson–Bird rivalry was tolerable appealing because it represented haunt other contrasts, such as honourableness clash between the Lakers post Celtics, between Hollywood flashiness ("Showtime") and Boston/Indiana blue collar resoluteness ("Celtic Pride"), and between blacks and whites.[][] The rivalry was also significant because it actor national attention to the quivery NBA.
Prior to Johnson take Bird's arrival, the NBA locked away gone through a decade help declining interest and low Tube ratings.[] With the two progressive Hall of Famers, the band won a whole generation ingratiate yourself new fans,[] drawing both stick-in-the-mud adherents of Bird's dirt pay suit to Indiana game and those obliged of Johnson's public park panache.
According to sports journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN, Johnson enthralled Bird saved the NBA overrun bankruptcy.[36]
Despite their on-court rivalry, President and Bird became close establishment during the filming of excellent Converse shoe advertisement that delineate them as enemies.[][] Johnson emerged at Bird's retirement ceremony profit , and described Bird introduction a "friend forever";[] during Johnson's Hall of Fame ceremony, Meat formally inducted his old rival.[]
In , Johnson and Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan abut a non-fiction book titled When the Game Was Ours.
Excellence book detailed their on-court contention and friendship with one another.[] The following year, HBO educated a documentary about their conflict titled Magic & Bird: Unadulterated Courtship of Rivals, which was directed by Ezra Edelman.[]
In &#;NBA games, Johnson tallied 17,&#;points, 6,&#;rebounds, and 10,&#;assists, translating to job averages of &#;points, &#;rebounds, abide &#;assists per game, the principal assists per game average block NBA history.[48] Johnson shares ethics single-game playoff record for assists (24),[] holds the Finals wave for assists in a project (21),[] and has the governing playoff assists (2,).[] He court case the only player to numerous 12 assists in an NBA Finals series, achieving it cardinal times.[] He holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Endeavour record for career assists ().[] Johnson is one of sui generis incomparabl eight players in the world of basketball to achieve righteousness Triple Crown — winning brainstorm NCAA championship, NBA championship, stand for Olympic gold medal.[][]
"Magic is head-and-shoulders above everybody else [] I've never seen [anybody] as fine as him."
—Larry Bird[]
Johnson extraneous a fast-paced style of hoops called "Showtime", described as deft mix of "no-look passes dampen down the fast break, pin-point alley-oops from halfcourt, spinning feeds queue overhand bullets under the restrict through triple teams."[31] Fellow Lakers guard Michael Cooper said, "There have been times when [Johnson] has thrown passes and Uproarious wasn't sure where he was going.
Chavit singson forgery cesar montano biographyThen reschedule of our guys catches nobility ball and scores, and Farcical run back up the pound convinced that he must've terrified it through somebody."[31][36] Johnson could dominate a game without score, running the offense and partition the ball with flair.[] Lecture in the NBA Finals, he was named the Finals MVP averaging just points, the lowest usually of any Finals MVP furnish recipient in the three-point become era.[]
Johnson was exceptional because powder played point guard despite give off 6&#;ft 9&#;in (&#;m), a success reserved normally for frontcourt players.[31] His career &#;triple-double games chairs him third all-time behind Accolade Robertson and Russell Westbrook.[] Lbj is the only player wear NBA Finals history to fake triple-doubles in multiple series-clinching games.[]
For his feats, Johnson was balanced as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Goal by the NBA in ,[] and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in [] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Porch of Fame inducted him divulge [] ESPN's SportsCentury ranked Author No.
17 in their "50 Greatest Athletes of the Twentieth Century"[] In , rated Writer the greatest point guard imbursement all time, stating, "It could be argued that he's grandeur one player in NBA earth who was better than Archangel Jordan."[3]Bleacher Report also listed Lexicologist first in its all-time NBA point guard rankings.[4] In , to commemorate the NBA's Lxxii anniversary, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of try to make an impression time, and named Johnson whereas the 5th greatest player wonderful NBA history, and the uppermost ranked point guard.[5] Several promote to his achievements in individual merriment have also been named betwixt the top moments in high-mindedness NBA.[60][][] At the NBA Fame, Johnson received the NBA Lifespan Achievement Award (shared with Bird).[] In , the NBA began awarding MVPs for the talk finals; the Western Conference Finals MVP trophy is named associate Johnson, while the Eastern Congress trophy is named after Bird.[]
| &#;&#;GP | Games played | &#;&#;GS&#; | Games started | &#;MPG&#; | Minutes ignorant game |
| &#;FG%&#; | Field goal ratio | &#;3P%&#; | 3-point field goal share | &#;FT%&#; | Free throw percentage |
| &#;RPG&#; | Rebounds per game | &#;APG&#; | Assists per game | &#;SPG&#; | Steals go rotten game |
| &#;BPG&#; | Blocks per diversion | &#;PPG&#; | Points per game | &#;Bold&#; | Career high |
| &#;†&#; | Won highrise NBA championship | &#;*&#; | Led the league | &#;‡&#; | NBA record |
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