Magic Johnson facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson (right) with Nancy Pelosi in 2003
No. 32
Point guard/Power forward
Personal information
Born August 14, 1959 (1959-08-14) (age 60)
Lansing, Michigan, United States
Career information
College Michigan State
NBA Draft 1979 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Pro career 1979–1996
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • 5× NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987–1988)
  • 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1986, 1988–1989)
  • 12× All-Star (1980, 1982–1992)
  • 3× NBA Finals MVP (1979, 1981, 1986)
  • 9× All-NBA First Team (1982–1990)
  • All-NBA Second Team (1981)
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (1979)
  • 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1989, 1991)
  • NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NCAA Men's Basketball Champion (1979)
  • His #32 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
Career statistics
Points 17,707
Rebounds 6,559 (7.2 rpg)
Assists 10,141 (11.2 apg)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan) is an American retired NBA basketball player. He won the NBA Championship in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 all with the Los Angeles Lakers. He played college basketball at Michigan State University where he developed a rivalry and friendship with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird when he faced him in the 1979 NCAA finals and three NBA championship games.

In 1991, Johnson made public that he had been diagnosed with HIV. He is a supporter of AIDS prevention.

In 1992, Johnson was a member of the United States men's national basketball team. That team won an Olympic gold medal.

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 and was also named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.

Images for kids


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