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Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson
(Born 1959)

Hall of Fame Induction: 2002

Card Shown:
2014-15 Panini Flawless
Hall of Fame

Position: PG
Height: 6’9″

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Earvin “Magic” Johnson redefined the point guard role.  At 6’9″ Magic could do it all.  He could score, rebound, and he retired from the NBA as the leagues all-time assist leader with 10,141.  His incredible skill and contagious enthusiasm for the game made those around him better and led the Showtime Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980’s.

Awards and Honors

  • Magic Johnson and Larry Bird faced off in the classic 1979 NCAA National Championship game with Magic and the Michigan Spartans winning the title.
  • Johnson was a 12-time NBA All-Star.
  • He was first-team All-NBA for nine consecutive years from 1983 through 1991.
  • Johnson won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award three times (1987, 1989, and 1990).
  • Magic Johnson played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. With Magic running the point, fellow Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper helped elevate the Lakers to dynasty status.

Points of Interest

  • Johnson was first given the nickname “Magic” by a sportswriter who saw him play at Everett High School in Michigan.  He led Everett to a state high school title in 1977.
  • Magic’s big smile, enthusiasm, engaging personality, and style of play endeared him to basketball fans around the world.
  • Magic was the catalyst for the Lakers “Showtime” era.  His incredible ball-handling skills, court vision, and leadership led the Lakers to five championships.
  • Johnson was the type of unique player who comes along about every ten years.  NBA.com’s Magic biography says, “He was what Bob Cousy was to the 1950s, what Oscar Robertson was to the 1960s, what Julius Erving was to the 1970s.”
  • In Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar out due to an ankle injury, Magic played all five positions and led the Lakers to the NBA Championship.  In that game he scored 42 points, pulled down 15 rebounds, had 7 assists, and was a perfect 14-of-14 from the line.  It was one of the greatest performances of all time.
  • Magic has made a huge impact in the lives of others both on and off the basketball court.  On the court he was a champion and his style of play was highly entertaining for the fans.  Off the court Johnson led the fight against AIDS and became a highly successful businessman who helped transform the inner city and change lives.

Statistics

Magic Johnson Statistics
provided by Basketball-Reference.com

Personal Autograph Interaction

At the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction weekend, Joshua and I were able to meet Magic Johnson, on the steps to the stage, minutes before the Enshrinement Ceremony started. The announcement had already come over the public address system asking everyone to sit down because the nationally televised show was about to begin. Joshua and I were waiting patiently for a lady in front of us to wrap up her conversation with Magic but she kept talking. One of the ushers asked us to take our seats but Joshua asked for a moment more to talk with Magic.

Finally, the lady in front of us left and we had a few moments with the legendary point guard. I asked Johnson if he would sign a card for us and he said that if Joshua wanted to get a card signed he needed to ask for himself. I replied, “I know, but this card is for me.” Magic graciously signed my 2012-13 Panini Signatures Legends card numbered 08/25. He also signed Joshua’s card and then Joshua asked if he could take a selfie. Magic happily agreed and even helped position Joshua in the best place so that the lighting in the picture would be optimum. Magic was so personable and took the time to connect with my son and me during those precious few moments.

Thank you, Magic!

In-Person Autograph Photos

Magic Johnson - Hall of Fame Basketball Player
Magic Johnson - Hall of Fame Basketball Player

In 2021, Magic signed my 2012-13 Panini Signatures Legends card and took a selfie with Joshua.

Magic Johnson Videos

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