Magic Johnson
Inducted:
2002
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
August 14, 1959
Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Point guard
College:
Michigan State (1977–1979)
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is arguably the greatest point guard to ever play the game. A 6'9" "point-forward" before the term was popularized, Magic possessed the size of a power forward but the vision and handle of a wizard. He was the engine of the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" era, transforming the NBA into a global entertainment powerhouse through his infectious smile and innovative, no-look passing.
His rookie season is the stuff of legend; in the 1980 NBA Finals, he started at center in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6, recording 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to clinch the title and become the only rookie to ever win Finals MVP. Beyond his 5 championships, his career was defined by his legendary rivalry with Larry Bird, which is credited with saving the NBA from financial ruin in the 1980s. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
Johnson's Awards and Records
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1992 "Dream Team")
- NBA 50th & 75th Anniversary Teams
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025)
- Leader of the Lakers’ Showtime dynasty
- NCAA champion (1979)
- NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1979)
NBA Records
- 3x NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990)
- 3x NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
- 12x NBA All-Star (1980, 1982–1992)
- 9x All-NBA First Team (1983–1991)
- All-NBA Second Team (1982)
- NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
NBA Teams
Los Angeles Lakers (1979–1991, 1996)
NBA Draft
1979: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Los Angeles Lakers
Numbers Worn
32
NBA Stats
Seasons:
13 (1979–1996)
Games Played:
906
Game Started:
870
Points:
17,707 (19.5 ppg)
Rebounds:
6,559 (7.2 rpg)
Assists:
10,141 (11.2 apg)
FG %:
52.0%
FT(%):
84.8%
NBA Championships:
5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)