Larry Bird and Magic Johnson spent years competing against each other and being compared to each other. From Magic Johnson Theaters and Starbucks to Simply Healthcare and The Dodgers, MJE is a measurable success factor in achieving significant return on investment. [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. In the final game of the CBA series, Johnson had 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading the All-Stars to a 126121 victory over the Oklahoma City Cavalry. Nov 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm ET 1 min read. [69] Johnson later said that his third season was when the Lakers first became a great team,[70] and he credited their success to Riley. [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". EXCLUSIVE: Magic Johnson Partners With CBD and Hemp Brand - Yahoo! [36] Johnson, who finished his high school career with two All-State selections, was considered at the time to be the best high school player ever to come out of Michigan[34] and was also named to the 1977 McDonald's All-American team. [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. [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. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. Magic Johnson's Net Worth: The 'They Call Me Magic' Star Is A - Bustle With help from the HBO . [170] Johnson resides in Beverly Hills and has a vacation home in Dana Point, California. [19][218], Johnson is a supporter of the Democratic Party. 10. Johnson stated that his aim was to "help educate all people about what [HIV] is about" and teach others not to "discriminate against people who have HIV and AIDS". [179] In 1998, Johnson hosted a late night talk show on the Fox network called The Magic Hour, but the show was canceled after two months because of low ratings. Magic, 62, posed alongside wife Cookie, sons EJ and Andre Johnson, daughter Elisa Johnson, and daughter-in-law Lisa Meyers Johnson, in a photo from the outing shared on Instagram. He had become more powerful and stronger than in his earlier years, but was also slower and less nimble. [57], Early in the 198081 season, Johnson was sidelined after he suffered torn cartilage in his left knee. Larry Bird - Wikipedia The book detailed their on-court rivalry and friendship with one another. [124] Stating that it was never his dream to coach, he chose instead to purchase a 5% share of the team in June 1994. For the NBA center, see, Two moments of Johnson during his tour with the All-Stars to Argentina in January 1994: (left) greeting a local player; (right) hugging soccer superstar, HIV announcement and Olympics (19911992), Return to the Lakers as coach and player (1994, 1996). Other biographies include: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [40] Playing with future NBA draftees Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, and Mike Brkovich, Johnson averaged 17.0points, 7.9rebounds, and 7.4assists per game as a freshman, and led the Spartans to a 255record, the Big Ten Conference title, and a berth in the 1978 NCAA tournament. Charles Barkley said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the most important people in NBA history Tuesday was Larry Bird's 65th birthday, and Barkley didn't mince words when he spoke about the former Boston Celtics star. We exercise a proven expertise in business strategy, urban planning and developing creative business solutions to drive unparalleled results for our clients and partners. There were incidents of racism, with rocks being thrown at buses carrying black students and white parents refusing to send their children to school. [36] Johnson played with the team frequently over the next several years, with possibly the most memorable game occurring in November 2001. [28] After the game, Fred Stabley Jr., a sports writer for the Lansing State Journal, gave him the moniker[32] despite the belief of Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, that the name was sacrilegious. The majority of NBA fans consider Jordan to be the best ever, with Magic being the best point guard ever. Charles Barkley Just Showered Larry Bird and Magic Johnson With The . [28] Johnson came from an athletic family. Magic Johnson: My Life by Earvin "Magic" Johnson | Goodreads [33] The Lakers advanced through the 1982 playoffs and faced Philadelphia for the second time in three years in the 1982 NBA Finals. [226][227], To prevent his HIV infection from progressing to AIDS, Johnson takes a daily combination of drugs, also called a drug cocktail. The Lakers played poorly in a Game 1 loss, prompting Johnson to express frustration with his role in coach Del Harris' offense. In a press conference held on November 7, 1991, Johnson made a public announcement that he would retire immediately. [197][198], In 1990, Johnson and Earl Graves Sr. obtained a large interest in the Washington, D.C. PepsiCo bottling operation, making it the company's largest minority-owned facility in the U.S.[199] Johnson became a minority owner of the Lakers in 1994, having reportedly paid more than $10million for part ownership. [72] In a losing effort against Philadelphia, Johnson averaged 19.0points on .403shooting, 12.5assists, and 7.8rebounds per game. Kenan Draughorne. [48] Johnson became the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award,[48] and his clutch performance is still regarded as one of the finest in NBA history. After leaving the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. In what was the most-watched college basketball game ever,[42] Michigan State defeated Indiana State 7564, and Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. [154], Johnson was exceptional because he played point guard despite being 6ft 9in (2.06m), a size reserved normally for frontcourt players. 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. [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. Bird was adamant that he would not appear in the Converse advert if it was filmed in LA. Let's leave it at that. [13] In 1991, Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in a small wedding in Lansing which included guests Thomas, Aguirre, and Herb Williams. [165][166][167], Johnson first fathered a son in 1981, when Andre Johnson was born to Melissa Mitchell. Converse Commercial (1986) with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan: Who'd Be Better To Build a Franchise [78] Johnson later described the series as "the one championship we should have had but didn't get". John Fogerty On 50 Year Battle To Recapture The Music Of Creedence In his own way, he is becoming a fashion reference and an example for the transgender community. [28] In the last championship series of his career, Johnson averaged 18.6points on .431shooting, 12.4assists, and 8.0rebounds per game. Magic Johnson was also having success in college at Michigan State.In his senior year, Magic led his school to a 26-6 record that was good enough . [16] Many articles praised Johnson as a hero, and the then-U.S. President George H. W. Bush said, "For me, Magic is a hero, a hero for anyone who loves sports. Magic Johnson Jr. | Speaker Agency, Speaking Fee, Videos He shares his latest ventureMagic Johnson Development Corporationwhich develops commercial property in neglected urban and suburban neighborhoods. [75] The Lakers won the first game, and led by two points in Game 2 with 18seconds to go, but after a layup by Gerald Henderson, Johnson failed to get a shot off before the final buzzer sounded, and the Lakers lost 124121 in overtime. [163], On February 21, 2017, Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. At the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State. [72] With Johnson's teammates Nixon, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo all hobbled by injuries, the Lakers were swept by the Sixers, and Malone was crowned the Finals MVP. [192] The experience taught him to listen to his customers and find out what products they wanted. [28] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but lost narrowly to eventual national champion Kentucky. The Untold Truth Of Magic Johnson - NickiSwift.com [Journal & Courier] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 [125][176] After Johnson ended his coaching stint, Buss sold him a 4% stake in the Lakers for $10 million, and Johnson served as a team executive. [204], In 2015, Johnson completed his planned acquisition for a "majority, controlling interest" in EquiTrust Life Insurance Company, which manages $14.5 billion in annuities, life insurance and other financial products. $620 MILLION From his salary as a basketball player to endorsements and on-camera opportunities to his many, many businesses and investments, Johnson has. LOS ANGELES, CA Magic Johnson and health insurance giant Cigna have teamed up to fight health disparities in POC communities within Los Angeles. [85][86] The Lakers met the Celtics for the third time in the NBA Finals, and in Game 4 Johnson hit a last-second hook shot over Celtics big men Parish and Kevin McHale to win the game 107106. [43] After two years in college, during which he averaged 17.1points, 7.6rebounds, and 7.9assists per game, Johnson entered the 1979 NBA draft. [153] He is the only player to average 12 assists in an NBA Finals series, achieving it six times. [37], Although Johnson was recruited by several top-ranked colleges such as Indiana and UCLA, he decided to play close to home. It got me out of my own little world and taught me how to understand white people, how to communicate and deal with them. Anna Faris, Gatorade TV Spot, 'Make Your Rival Your Fuel' Featuring J.J. Watt, Honda CR-V Super Bowl 2017 TV Spot, 'Yearbooks' Ft. Steve Carell, Tina Fey [T1], Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'Anthem: NBA' Ft. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Magic Johnson, NBA League Pass TV Spot, 'Classic Games: Free Preview', NBA TV Spot, 'Welcome to NBA Lane' Feat. [164] Under Johnson, the Lakers sought to acquire multiple star players and cleared existing players, including future All-Star D'Angelo Russell, off of their roster in an attempt to free up room under the league's salary cap. He's faced challenges all of his life, but now Magic Johnson faces the biggest challenge of all, his own brave battle with HIV. Magic Johnson - Wikipedia The Lakers did not reach the playoffs during Johnson's executive tenure. When Magic Johnson heard of the proposal he told Converse ' You're crazy, I'm not shooting no commercial with Larry .' Eventually, Magic was persuaded and expected to shoot the commercial in LA. Magic Johnson's Friendship With Larry Bird Explained - Grunge.com [101] Under Dunleavy, the offense used more half-court sets, and the team had a renewed emphasis on defense. Magic Johnson reveals his son EJ's coming out - New York Post Magic Johnson: AIDS is still prevalent video 1991: Magic Johnson's HIV announcement On a recent March night in Los Angeles, Johnson again hugged Hydeia, his 6-foot-9 frame dwarfing her. The basketball game was part of festivities organized to celebrate Obama's 49th birthday. 5, Magic Johnson combined dazzling playmaking with charisma to lead the Showtime Lakers to five titles", "Magic Johnson vs. Stephen Curry: Does Warriors star have stats case to surpass Lakers legend as GOAT point guard? The pair launched an initiative to support minority and female-owned businesses, by providing customized health care plans for issues that disproportionately affect people of color. Earvin (Magic) Johnson, became one of the best NBA players for 13 years playing with the Lakers. [128] Despite these difficulties, the Lakers finished with a record of 5329 and fourth seed in the NBA Playoffs. [40], Before the 199293 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback. Magic Johnson Comes Out 'Swinging' in They Call Me Magic Docuseries NBA Legend Magic Johnson Discusses Ecolab Science Certified Partnership with Forbes Johnson underscores how the Ecolab Science Certified program is helping businesses advance cleaner, safer practices and people reclaim their social lives September 29, 2021 'Winning Time' HBO: Magic Johnson, Nike and Phil - Los Angeles Times [16] Named by Ebony magazine as one of America's most influential black businessmen in 2009,[17] Johnson has numerous business interests, and was a part-owner of the Lakers for several years, as well as being the team's president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019. [45], Johnson was drafted first overall in 1979 by the Los Angeles Lakers. [146] With the two future Hall of Famers, the league won a whole generation of new fans,[147] drawing both traditionalist adherents of Bird's dirt court Indiana game and those appreciative of Johnson's public park flair. Who is Magic Johnson's Youngest Son EJ Johnson? - Parade: Entertainment He is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all-time. "[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. The Pixel 6 offers the capability to eliminate photobomb fans quickly with the touch of a finger -- even Magic Johnson thinks it's absolute magic. [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. During his seventh season in the NBA, he had a meeting with Michael Ovitz, CEO of Creative Artists Agency. [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. [154] He holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists (127). 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 . That initial battle was an appetizer for the decade that followed as the pair became two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history who developed a fierce personal rivalry during the 1980s that included three meetings in the NBA Finals. [111] Johnson led the West to a 153113win and was crowned All-Star MVP after recording 25points, 9assists, and 5rebounds. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American former professional basketball player. The superstars' fiery relationship cooled after filming a 1985 Converse commercial filmed in French Lick, Ind., Bird's hometown. Earvin "Magic" Johnson is the only NBA rookie to date to receive the Finals MVP Award. [3][4][5][6] Johnson played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). "[128] While Johnson played well in 1996, there were struggles both on and off the court. Johnson delivers a passionate message about his life story and everyone can make a difference their own community. [224] He hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign on August 22, 2016. Learn more at www.magicjohnsonenterprises.com. [107] At the time, only a small percentage of HIV-positive American men had contracted it from heterosexual sex,[92][108] and it was initially rumored that Johnson was gay or bisexual, although he denied both. Luka Doncic Smashes Magic Johnson Record in Mavericks Win. [18] As such, in 2014, Johnson was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25. [44] The Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals, but were unable to defeat the Houston Rockets, who advanced to the Finals in five games. [77][109], Johnson's HIV announcement became a major news story in the United States,[108] and in 2004 was named as ESPN's seventh-most memorable moment of the previous 25 years. [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. Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 - YouTube Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 101,222 views May 22, 2016 This is an old commercial I shot with Magic Johnson for Quality Dairy back in 1980. so. The label, initially called Magic 32 Records, was renamed Magic Johnson Music when Johnson signed a joint venture with MCA in 2000. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. [44] However, the Lakers bowed out to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, which was the Lakers' earliest playoffs elimination in nine years. 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. [114] The Dream Team, which along with Johnson included fellow Hall of Famers such as Bird, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley, was considered unbeatable. Our company We Build Businesses We give our clients and partners the edge needed to effectively capitalize on the growing purchasing power and value of multicultural communities. "I always said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the two most important people in NBA history," Barkley said. The Lakers finished the season on a ten-game losing streak, and Johnson's final record as a head coach was 511. Magic Johnson is a top business keynote speaker, former NBA great, and Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. [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. He also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship. Larry was kicked off the basketball team after a confrontation during practice, prompting him to beg his brother not to play. The Hall of Famer and business magnate has formally entered the game with a new partnership with the NBA and Top Shot, the league's partner that offers digital collectable NFTs non-fungible tokens of player and team highlights. He also held the title of team vice president. [89] Johnson had another productive season with averages of 19.6points, 11.9assists, and 6.2rebounds per game despite missing 10 games with a groin injury. [212], Together with Guggenheim, Johnson was also involved in the February 2014 purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks team in the WNBA. [Indianapolis Star] - Larry Bird, Magic Johnson became friends in 1987 Johnson averaged 8.0 points per game during the Olympics, and his 5.5 assists per game was second on the team. [177], In 1997, his production company Magic Johnson Entertainment signed a deal with Fox. "[177] Buss acquired the team from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979, shortly before he drafted Johnson with the #1 pick in the 1979 NBA draft. During his retirement, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, raising his bench press from 135 to 300 pounds, and increasing his weight to 255 pounds. May 3, 2021 Old Navy teamed up with NBA Hall-of-Fame superstar, Olympian, entrepreneur and philanthropistMagic Johnsonto share the success stories of three inspiring graduates from the This Way ONward (TWO) program through a video miniseries launched today. [154] In the 1982 NBA Finals, he was named the Finals MVP averaging just 16.2 points, the lowest average of any Finals MVP award recipient in the three-point shot era. [171][172], Johnson is a Christian[173] and has said his faith is "the most important thing" in his life. [77][92][93] After the teams split the first six games, Lakers forward and Finals MVP James Worthy had his first career triple-double of 36points, 16rebounds, and 10assists, and led his team to a 108105win. [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. [147], In 2009, Johnson and Bird collaborated with journalist Jackie MacMullan on a non-fiction book titled When the Game Was Ours. 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. Magic Johnson: Dr. Fauci helped me overcome HIV - Yahoo! News What Is Magic Johnson's Net Worth? "[28][33] Johnson could dominate a game without scoring, running the offense and distributing the ball with flair. Magic Johnson Music signed R&B artist Avant as its first act. Magic Johnson And Cigna Team Up To Improve Minority Healthcare [230] He has advertised GlaxoSmithKline's drugs,[231] and partnered with Abbott Laboratories to publicize the fight against AIDS in African American communities.[230]. [187] In 2006, Johnson created a contract food service with Sodexo USA called Sodexo-Magic. By using iSpot.tv, you accept our, Visit California TV Spot, 'Living the Dream' Feat. MAGIC JOHNSON COMMERCIAL POSTER The Magic Show LAKERS 22x24 Inch [158] ESPN's SportsCentury ranked Johnson No. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. 50 Fun Facts About Magic Johnson - CBS Detroit - CBS News They're Midwesterners, they were bigger players who handled the ball skillfully and they thought about their teammates' success. [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. [102] Johnson performed well during the season, with averages of 19.4points, 12.5assists, and 7.0rebounds per game, and the Lakers reached the 1991 NBA Finals. [7][8] He also holds the record for most career assists in the playoffs. Payment | Shipping | Additional Information | Policies MAGIC JOHNSON COMMERCIAL POSTER The Magic Show LAKERS 22x24 Inch Starline 1988 Album Welcome to the auction of a absolute.from 381876351 Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Truly Despised Each Other and It All