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01
On November 7, 1991, he announced he was HIV positive and retired immediately from the Lakers after twelve seasons.
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02
Johnson carried his college rivalry with Larry Bird into the professional ranks.
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03
Earvin Magic Johnson is the only NBA rookie to win the Finals MVP award, achieving this in 1980 at age 20.
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04
He still plays basketball regularly.
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05
Johnson retired from basketball on three different occasions, the last after the 1995-1996 season, just before the Lakers acquired Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
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06
As of 2007, his net worth was estimated at $900 million.
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07
He was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic gold medal team.
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08
His children include son E.J. Johnson Earvin Johnson III, born June 4, 1992, daughter Elisa Johnson adopted in January 1995, and son Andre Johnson.
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09
On May 3, 2012, he became co-owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers alongside Peter Guber, Mark Walter, and Stan Kasten with a bid of $2.15 billion.
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10
He served as head coach for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1993-1994 season, posting a record of 5-13.
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11
He founded a chain of movie theaters called Magic Johnson Theatres, located in inner-city neighborhoods.
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12
He holds NBA Finals single-game records for most points by a rookie 42 on May 6, 1980 vs. Philadelphia and most assists in one half 14 on June 19, 1988 vs. Detroit.
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13
He was nicknamed Magic by sportswriter Fred Stabley Jr. during his career at Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan.
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14
He played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979-1991 and 1995-1996, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in assists 10,141 and steals 1,724.
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15
He played for Michigan State University from 1977-1979, winning the NCAA Division I Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1979.
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16
He was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
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17
He won the national championship with the Michigan State Spartans in 1979.
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18
His friends include Arsenio Hall, Steve Harvey, Dave Winfield, Samuel L. Jackson, Robin Harris, and Larry Bird.
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19
He was born on the same day as actress Marcia Gay Harden.
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20
His net worth is estimated at $500 million.
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21
He briefly coached the L.A. Lakers in 1994.
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22
He is a professional basketball player.
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23
He attended Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan.
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24
On July 21, 2023, he became co-owner of the NFL’s Washington Commanders alongside Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales with a bid of $6.05 billion.
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25
He got married on rapper Nas’s 18th birthday.
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26
He is the grandfather of Avery Johnson and Gigi Johnson.
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27
He is the brother of Pearl Johnson and Larry Johnson.