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Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson, born Earvin Johnson Jr.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Magic Johnson, born Earvin Johnson Jr. on August 14, 1959, is an American former professional [Basketball](basketball) player best known for his career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and later became an entrepreneur and HIV/AIDS advocate.

Early life and college career

Earvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing, Michigan, in 1959. He played college [Basketball](basketball) at Michigan State, where he won the 1979 NCAA championship before entering the NBA.

NBA career

Johnson was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and became the centerpiece of the team's 'Showtime' era. He played [Basketball](basketball) for the Lakers and won five NBA titles, establishing himself as one of the league's greatest point guards.

Retirement, HIV disclosure, and return

In 1991, Johnson announced that he had tested positive for HIV and retired from the NBA. He later returned for the 1992 All-Star Game and briefly rejoined the Lakers in 1996.

Later life and business career

After basketball, Johnson became active in HIV/AIDS advocacy and developed a major business portfolio. Public profiles describe him as an entrepreneur, investor, and team executive.

Key facts

  • Selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • Won five NBA championships with the Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
  • Retired in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV.
  • Returned to play in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game and again briefly in 1996.
  • Became known as an AIDS activist and later built a business career.
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Canadian context

Magic Johnson is well known in Canada as one of the NBA’s most famous players and as a prominent public figure in global HIV/AIDS awareness and sports history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Magic Johnson?
Magic Johnson is Earvin Johnson Jr., an American former NBA player best known for starring with the Los Angeles Lakers and winning five championships.
How old is Magic Johnson?
He was born on August 14, 1959, which makes him 66 years old as of July 23, 2026.
What is Magic Johnson's real name?
His real name is Earvin Johnson Jr.
How many championships did Magic Johnson win?
He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
What is Magic Johnson's net worth?
No reliable figure is provided in the supplied sources, so this cannot be verified here.
Does Magic Johnson have HIV?
He announced in 1991 that he was HIV-positive; the supplied sources do not provide a current medical status beyond that disclosure.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Magic-Johnson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, championships, HIV announcement, career overview
  2. NBA.com — https://www.nba.com/lakers/history/alumni/earvin-magic-johnson
    Supports: Five championships, Lakers career, historical importance
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/2334/magic-johnson
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, college, draft information
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/athletes/magic-johnson
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, HIV announcement, later career
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson
    Supports: Championships, HIV announcement, return to play, career timeline