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Magic Johnson: Athlete, Black American of Achievement

Edward Reed

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Published in Magic Johnson: Athlete (Black Americans Of Achievement (Hardcover))

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Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player, businessman, and philanthropist. He is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, passing abilities, and leadership on the court. As a point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson led the team to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988) and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times (1980, 1982, and 1987).

Magic Johnson: Athlete (Black Americans of Achievement (Hardcover))

by David Aretha

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2510 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages

Early Life and Career

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He began playing basketball at an early age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled ball-handler and passer. Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing, where he led the team to three state championships. He was named Michigan's Mr. Basketball in 1977 and was recruited by several top college basketball programs.

Johnson ultimately chose to play for Michigan State University, where he played for coach Jud Heathcote. As a sophomore in 1979, Johnson led the Spartans to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to Indiana State University. Johnson was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player despite the loss.

NBA Career

Johnson was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft. He quickly became a star player, averaging 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game in his rookie season. Johnson led the Lakers to the NBA championship in his second season, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP.

Johnson continued to be a dominant player throughout his career. He was a five-time NBA MVP (1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1996) and was selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times. Johnson also led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988). He was named the NBA Finals MVP three times (1980, 1982, and 1987).

Johnson retired from the NBA in 1991 after testing positive for HIV. He returned to the league in 1996 and played two more seasons before retiring for good.

Post-NBA Career

After retiring from the NBA, Johnson became a successful businessman. He is the owner of several businesses, including the Magic Johnson Enterprises and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charities.

In 2010, Johnson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Legacy

Magic Johnson is one of the most successful and iconic basketball players in history. He is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, passing abilities, and leadership on the court. Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and was named the NBA Finals MVP three times. He is also a successful businessman and philanthropist.

Johnson's legacy extends beyond basketball. He is a role model for young people and a symbol of hope for people living with HIV. Johnson is a true American icon and a source of inspiration for people all over the world.

Awards and Accomplishments

* 5x NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) * 3x NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987) * 5x NBA MVP (1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996) * 12x NBA All-Star (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992) * NBA All-Star Game MVP (1990) * Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2010) * Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016) * Black American of Achievement (1989)

Additional Information

* Johnson is the son of Earvin Johnson Sr. and Christine Johnson. * Johnson has three children with his wife, Cookie Johnson. * Johnson is a close friend of former Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. * Johnson is a devout Christian. * Johnson is a supporter of the Democratic Party.

Magic Johnson: Athlete (Black Americans of Achievement (Hardcover))

by David Aretha

5 out of 5