[Indianapolis Star] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 "[108], Despite his retirement, Johnson was voted by fans as a starter for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game at Orlando Arena, although his former teammates Byron Scott and A. C. Green said that Johnson should not play,[110] and several NBA players, including Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, argued that they would be at risk of contamination if Johnson suffered an open wound while on court. He led the league in regular season assists four times, and is the NBA's all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season (11.19 assists per game) and the playoffs (12.35 assists per game). April 12, 2012 4:54am. [44] In the 1988 playoffs, the Lakers swept the San Antonio Spurs in 3 games, then survived two 43series against the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks to reach the Finals and face Thomas and the Detroit Pistons,[90] who with players such as Bill Laimbeer, John Salley, Vinnie Johnson and Dennis Rodman were known as the "Bad Boys" for their physical style of play. Magic Johnson reveals his son EJ's coming out - New York Post [23][31] Johnson's sister Pearl and his brother Larry had bused to Everett the previous year and did not have a pleasant experience. Cedric Ceballos, upset over a reduction in his playing time after Johnson's arrival, left the team for several days. 10. [114] The Dream Team, which along with Johnson included fellow Hall of Famers such as Bird, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley, was considered unbeatable. Magic Johnson 's 20-year-old son hit the Sunset Strip, hand in hand with his boyfriend . [76][77] During the Finals, Johnson averaged 18.0points on .560shooting, 13.6assists, and 7.7rebounds per game. [135] Johnson led the way to a Game 2 victory with 26 points, but averaged only 7.5 points per game for the remainder of the series, which the Rockets won three games to one. [193][194] He has also made investments in urban real estate through the Canyon-Johnson and Yucaipa-Johnson funds. Magic Johnson TV Commercials - iSpot.tv [33] In an August 2011 interview, Johnson said that in retrospect he wished that he had never retired after being diagnosed with HIV, saying, "If I knew what I know now, I wouldn't have retired. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American former professional basketball player. [203], In the wake of the Donald Sterling controversy, limited media reports indicated that Johnson had expressed an interest in purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. Larry was kicked off the basketball team after a confrontation during practice, prompting him to beg his brother not to play. [129] Playing power forward, he averaged 14.6points, 6.9assists, and 5.7rebounds per game in 32games, and finished tied for 12th place with Charles Barkley in voting for the MVP Award. [13] In 1991, Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in a small wedding in Lansing which included guests Thomas, Aguirre, and Herb Williams. [188][189] In 2004, Johnson and his partner Ken Lombard sold Magic Johnson Theaters to Loews Cineplex Entertainment. "[128] While Johnson played well in 1996, there were struggles both on and off the court. [221] In 2012, he endorsed Barack Obama for president. Magic Johnson wanted to hit Howard Stern after radio host in 1998 said The Untold Truth Of Magic Johnson - NickiSwift.com "[36] Johnson and Chastine were almost always together, playing basketball or riding around in Chastine's car. He shares his latest ventureMagic Johnson Development Corporationwhich develops commercial property in neglected urban and suburban neighborhoods. The series started poorly for the Lakers when they allowed an NBA Finals record 148points to the Celtics in a 34-point loss in Game 1. [39], Johnson did not initially aspire to play professionally, focusing instead on his communication studies major and his desire to become a television commentator. According to sports journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN, Johnson and Bird saved the NBA from bankruptcy. Johnson's half-court shot at the buzzer would have won the game, but it fell short. 'Winning Time' HBO: Magic Johnson, Nike and Phil - Los Angeles Times [65] After Johnson demanded to be traded, Lakers owner Jerry Buss fired Westhead and replaced him with Riley. The proceeds went to the United Negro College Fund, and Johnson held this event for twenty years, ending in 2005. [87][88], Before the 198788 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised that they would defend the NBA title, even though no team had won consecutive titles since the Celtics did so in the 1969 NBA Finals. [147], In 2009, Johnson and Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a non-fiction book titled When the Game Was Ours. Tragic Details About Magic Johnson - msn.com He is also part of a group of investors that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 and the Los Angeles Sparks in 2014,[18] and was part of the ownership group that established Los Angeles F.C. In 1992, Buss had given Johnson a contract that paid him $14 million a year, as payback for all the years he was not the league's highest-paid player. He had become a dominant junior high player, once scoring 48 points in a game. In the final minute of the game, Johnson had the ball stolen by Celtics center Robert Parish, and then missed two free throws that could have won the game. [107] He admitted to having "harems of women" and talked openly about his sexual activities because "he was convinced that heterosexuals needed to know that they, too, were at risk". [177][178], Buss supported Johnson as he revealed his diagnosis of HIV in 1991, and he never hesitated to keep Johnson close to the organization, bringing him in as part-owner, and even as a coach. With the Google Pixel 6, Serbian fans become fans of the Nuggets with the help of the smartphone's translation feature. What Is Magic Johnson's Net Worth? [23], Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Everett High School, when he recorded a triple-double of 36points, 18rebounds, and 16assists. John Fogerty On 50 Year Battle To Recapture The Music Of Creedence Magic Johnson TV Commercials We don't make the ads - We measure them Sign up to track 37 nationally aired TV ad campaigns for Magic Johnson. [28] His career 138triple-double games places him third all-time behind Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. [21] Johnson, who had six siblings and three half-siblings by his father's previous marriage,[22][23][a] was influenced by his parents' strong work ethic. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, William Novak. [101] Under Dunleavy, the offense used more half-court sets, and the team had a renewed emphasis on defense. During his seventh season in the NBA, he had a meeting with Michael Ovitz, CEO of Creative Artists Agency. Starbucks Acquires Remaining Interest in Magic Johnson Enterprises [168] Johnson and Cookie have one son, Earvin III ("EJ"), who is openly gay and a star on the reality show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. The NBA-centered drama series follows the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. Peter Guber, who is the co-owner of the Golden State Warriors, owns a small stake in the Dodgers along with Johnson. After winning a national championship with Michigan State in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships during their Showtime era. After showing Schultz the tremendous buying power of minorities, Johnson was able to purchase 125 Starbucks stores, which reported higher than average per capita sales. [84] In the next season, Johnson averaged a career-high of 23.9points, as well as 12.2assists and 6.3rebounds per game,[44] and earned his first regular season MVP award. In this dramatic, exciting, and inspirational autobiography, Magic Johnson allows readers into his life, into his tirumphs and tragedies on and off . Johnson averaged 8.0 points per game during the Olympics, and his 5.5 assists per game was second on the team. [45], Johnson was drafted first overall in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. It'll focus on his legendary years with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Eighties as a five-time NBA champion in a . Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 during a commercial Old Navy Partners with Magic Johnson to Inspire Future Generations Playing with the Canberra Cannons of Australia's National Basketball League instead of his usual group of players, Johnson's team defeated the Spartans 10485, as he scored 12 points, with 10 assists and 10 rebounds. Combining his playing career and sports ownership career, Johnson has 10 NBA championships, five each as a player and later as a minority owner of the Lakers. [181][182] Johnson also co-promoted Janet Jackson's Velvet Rope Tour through his company Magicworks. [44][130] The Lakers had a record of 2210 in the games Johnson played, and he considered his final comeback "a success. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. Speaking to media just hours after Buss had died, Johnson was emotional, saying, "Without Dr. Jerry Buss, there is no Magic. Random House. Magic Johnson joined Shaquille O'Neal and celebrity coach Spike Lee to lead the blue team to a 147132 victory over the white team, which was coached by Arsenio Hall. Read also Don Johnson Left Barbra Streisand to Remarry Melanie Griffith Following Her Pregnancy [80] However, Abdul-Jabbar, who was now 38years old, scored 30points and grabbed 17rebounds in Game 2, and his 36points in a Game 5 win were instrumental in establishing a 32 lead for Los Angeles. "I've . Magic Johnson Music signed R&B artist Avant as its first act. Capital One TV Spot, 'Final Four' Feat. Charles Barkley, Samuel L [80] After the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, who averaged 18.3points on .494shooting, 14.0assists, and 6.8rebounds per game in the championship series,[81][82] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers. [28] Johnson came from an athletic family. [183] He has also worked as a motivational speaker,[15] and was an NBA commentator for Turner Network Television for seven years,[184] before becoming a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA Countdown in 2008. Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'For All the Fans: NBA Playoffs' Featuring [112] The game ended after he made a last-minute three-pointer, and players from both teams ran onto the court to congratulate Johnson. In the past 30 days, commercials featuring Magic Johnson have had 27,434 airings. "I think D'Angelo has really grown and matured," Johnson said . After practicing and playing in several pre-season games, he retired again before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return sparked by opposition from several active players. (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017. [129], After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs,[136] Johnson initially expressed a desire to return to the team for the 199697 NBA season, but he also talked about joining another team as a free agent, hoping to see more playing time at point guard instead of power forward. [33] He was selected to the 197879 All-American team for his performance that season. [36] Johnson played with the team frequently over the next several years, with possibly the most memorable game occurring in November 2001. [175], Johnson had an extremely close relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss, whom he saw as a mentor and a father figure. [154] He holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists (127). Michael B. Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Fanatics.com TV Spot, 'All-In Challenge' Featuring Kevin Hart, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, Samsung Galaxy Note II TV Spot, 'Big Day' Featuring LeBron James, NBA TV Spot, 'This Is Why We Play: Anthem', AT&T Wireless TV Spot, 'The Codes We Live By' Feat. They Call Me Magic - Apple TV+ Press 1,006 ratings37 reviews. Johnson said that what was "most amazing" about joining the Lakers was the chance to play alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,[46] the team's 7ft 2in (2.18m) center who became the leading scorer in NBA history. Senate. [15] His public announcement of his HIV-positive status helped dispel the stereotype, still widely held at the time, that HIV was a "gay disease" that heterosexuals need not worry about; his bravery in making this announcement was widely commended. The Slovenian notched up a 30th career triple-double in his 146th game in the NBA, reaching the milestone in 44 fewer games than Magic . "[3] Bleacher Report also listed Johnson first in its all-time NBA point guard rankings. He's faced challenges all of his life, but now Magic Johnson faces the biggest challenge of all, his own brave battle with HIV. At the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State. . [128] A few days later, Johnson changed his mind and retired permanently, saying, "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992. [Journal & Courier] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 In 1991, . [92] Johnson later accused Isiah Thomas of spreading the rumors, a claim Thomas denied. Johnson asserted that for him, the 82-game regular season was composed of 80 normal games, and two LakersCeltics games. [19][218], Johnson is a supporter of the Democratic Party. Magic Johnson Joined by Son EJ for Premiere of New Apple - Peoplemag He also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship. $620 MILLION From his salary as a basketball player to endorsements and on-camera opportunities to his many, many businesses and investments, Johnson has. Converse was the sneaker company with which both players had a shoe deal. [123][124] Johnson, who took the job at the urging of owner Jerry Buss, admitted "I've always had the desire (to coach) in the back of my mind." Magic Johnson Net Worth 2022, Salary & Endorsements - Sportskeeda According to the Basketball Network, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird came together in 1986 to film a commercial for Converse. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. [7][8] He also holds the record for most career assists in the playoffs. It's true that I hated missing out on Sexton. And you can now add to that list one Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson and his wife, Cookie, also have a daughter named Elisa, whom they adopted in 1995. [44] Jud Heathcote stepped down as coach of the Spartans after the 199495 season, and on June 8, 1995, Johnson returned to the Breslin Center to play in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game. [26] He also idolized players such as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes,[27] and practiced "all day". Magic Johnson says he wanted to hit Howard Stern after the popular radio host made comments about his HIV diagnosis during an appearance on Johnson's short-lived late-night talk show in 1998. But being bused to Everett turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. Apple TV+ today announced "They Call Me Magic," the highly anticipated four-part documentary event that takes an illuminating, holistic look into the life and career of one of the world's most iconic figures, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, will premiere April 22 on Apple TV+. [141][142] Johnson also became a co-owner of the club;[143] however, the project failed after one season and the club was forced into reconstruction. MBA CREF 2022: Magic Johnson Building Real Estate - Commercial Observer [72] In a losing effort against Philadelphia, Johnson averaged 19.0points on .403shooting, 12.5assists, and 7.8rebounds per game. [37], Although Johnson was recruited by several top-ranked colleges such as Indiana and UCLA, he decided to play close to home. Magic Johnson - Wikipedia The rivalry with Larry Bird, another NBA superstar, began in college. Magic Johnson [143] He later joined the Danish team The Great Danes. [36] He officially returned to the team on January 29, 1996,[128] and played his first game the following day against the Golden State Warriors. [33] The Lakers advanced through the 1982 playoffs and faced Philadelphia for the second time in three years in the 1982 NBA Finals. Larry Bird's college career was taking off at Indiana State after Bird almost quit college after originally attempting to go to Indiana University.. As a senior at Indiana State, Bird led his school to a 33-0 record. [225], After announcing his infection in November 1991, Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV,[226] although he later diversified the foundation to include other charitable goals. [185], Johnson runs Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate company that has a net worth of $700million;[13] its subsidiaries include Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; Magic Johnson Theaters, a nationwide chain of movie theaters; and Magic Johnson Entertainment, a film studio. "In the. Larry Bird - Wikipedia [11] His friendship and rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced in the 1979 NCAA finals and three NBA championship series, are well documented. [177] Johnson credits Buss with giving him the business knowledge that enabled him to become part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Magic Johnson Fast Facts | CNN Johnson was apprehensive at first because he and Bird never had a serious conversation at that point, and while he agreed to do the commercial, the two superstars didn't talk to each other during the actual shoot (via NPR ). Johnson's career achievements include three NBA MVP Awards, three NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, nine NBA Finals appearances, 12 All-Star games, and nine All-NBA First Team selections. We give our clients and partners the edge needed to effectively capitalize on the growing purchasing power and value of multicultural communities. From his humble beginnings to his league debut as the Los. 17 in their "50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century"[159] In 2006, ESPN.com rated Johnson the greatest point guard of all time, stating, "It could be argued that he's the one player in NBA history who was better than Michael Jordan. ISBN0-449-22254-3. Magic Johnson Jr. | Speaker Agency, Speaking Fee, Videos Then in 1985, Converse asked Johnson and Bird to tape a shoe commercial in French Lick, Ind., Bird's hometown. Similarly, Bird admitted that Johnson's daily box score was the first thing he checked in the morning. [56][160][161] At the 2019 NBA Awards, Johnson received the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (shared with Bird). However, after Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, the Lakers were no match for the Pistons, who swept them 40. [115][117] Johnson played infrequently because of knee problems,[118] but he received standing ovations from the crowd, and used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive people. "Even in the summer, you had your . [128] Despite these difficulties, the Lakers finished with a record of 5329 and fourth seed in the NBA Playoffs. What You Don't Know About Magic Johnson's Son EJ - NickiSwift.com [195] Another major project is with insurance services company Aon Corp.[196] In 20052007, Johnson was part of a syndicate that bought the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, then the tallest building in Brooklyn, for $71 million and converted the 512-foot high landmark structure from an office building into luxury condominiums. There they faced the Chicago Bulls, led by shooting guard Michael Jordan, a five-time scoring champion regarded as the finest player of his era. [151], In 905NBA games, Johnson tallied 17,707points, 6,559rebounds, and 10,141assists, translating to career averages of 19.5points, 7.2rebounds, and 11.2assists per game, the highest assists per game average in NBA history. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. After leaving the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games.[10]. In the decisive Game 7 in Boston, as the Lakers trailed by three points in the final minute, opposing point guard Dennis Johnson stole the ball from Johnson, a play that effectively ended the series. Basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin "Magic" Johnson visited the "Late Show With David Letterman" Wednesday to discuss their friendship - which began in . He nearly got into a fight with another player before head coach George Fox intervened. This is the untold truth of Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. . [49][50] Johnson averaged 18.0points, 7.7rebounds, and 7.3assists per game for the season, was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team, and was named an NBA All-Star Game starter. "We think there is a lot of fun to be had with the Barkleylounger," he says. Our company We Build Businesses Johnson sold his remaining interest in the stores back to the company in 2010, ending a successful twelve-year partnership. Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, and became a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famebeing enshrined in 2002 for his individual career, and again in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team". [10] 1979 NCAA Championship Game. [96], In the 198889 NBA season, Johnson's 22.5points, 12.8assists, and 7.9rebounds per game[44] earned him his second MVP award,[97] and the Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals, in which they again faced the Pistons. The 1986 commercial shows Magic rolling up in a limo and Larry was waiting in knee-high socks, short shorts, and new . Magic Johnson on Learning to Accept His Gay Son EJ: 'He Changed Me' The majority of NBA fans consider Jordan to be the best ever, with Magic being the best point guard ever. [78] Johnson later described the series as "the one championship we should have had but didn't get". [113], Several journalists hypothesized that the JohnsonBird rivalry was so appealing because it represented many other contrasts, such as the clash between the Lakers and Celtics, between Hollywood flashiness ("Showtime") and Boston/Indiana blue collar grit ("Celtic Pride"), and between blacks and whites. Johnson left after eight months, saying that the White House had "utterly ignored" the work of the panel, and had opposed the commission's recommendations, which included universal healthcare and the expansion of Medicaid to cover all low-income people with AIDS. Johnson recently revealed plans for a documentary on his life to be released. Nov 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm ET 1 min read. . Magic Johnson Becomes Household Name in Winning Time Trailer - Yahoo! [51], The Lakers compiled a 6022record in the regular season and reached the 1980 NBA Finals,[52] in which they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by forward Julius Erving. [163], On February 21, 2017, Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. [121][122], Johnson returned to the NBA as coach of the Lakers near the end of the 199394 NBA season, replacing Randy Pfund, and Bill Bertka, who served as an interim coach for two games. [9] Johnson was a member of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team"), which won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Bird was adamant that he would not appear in the Converse advert if it was filmed in LA. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. and his family wife Cookie, daughter Elisa and sons Andre and EJ were joined by a star-studded roster of celebrities and professional athletes LOS ANGELES, CA Magic Johnson and health insurance giant Cigna have teamed up to fight health disparities in POC communities within Los Angeles. Prior to Johnson and Bird's arrival, the NBA had gone through a decade of declining interest and low TV ratings. [28] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but lost narrowly to eventual national champion Kentucky. "[33][128], Determined to play competitive basketball despite being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team composed of former NBA and college players.
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