Born on August 14, 1959, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is a former NBA player and the former president of basketball operations for the LA Lakers. He played with the team for 13 seasons and was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996. He also won a championship and NBA Finals MVP in his rookie season. He won four more championships with the Lakers in the 1980s. Johnson retired in 1991 very abruptly after announcing that he had contracted HIV. He returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP award. He retired again for four years and returned in 1996 to play 32 games for the Lakers before he finally retired for the last time. Johnson was part of the 1992 'Dream Team' for the United States men's Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 for his individual career and in 2012 as part of the Dream Team. When he retired in 1992, he formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled worldwide and played various exhibition games.
After his retirements, 'Magic' Johnson has taken on several roles. He has been a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex. He also was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and broadcaster. He was also one of the most influential black businessmen in 2009. He was also part-owner of the Lakers for many years. Johnson is also part of the investors who bought the LA Dodgers in 2012 and the LA Sparks in 2014.
How many rings does Magic Johnson have?
Magic Johnson has won five rings, all with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Magic Johnson NBA Finals appearances/record
1980 NBA Finals - Lakers vs 76ers
Result: Lakers won 4-2
1982 NBA Finals - Lakers vs 76ers
Result: Lakers won 4-2
1983 NBA Finals - Lakers vs 76ers
Result: 76ers won 4-0
1984 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Celtics
Result: Celtics won 4-3
1985 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Celtics
Result: Lakers won 4-2
1987 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Celtics
Result: Lakers won 4-2
1988 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Pistons
Result: Lakers won 4-3
1989 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Pistons
Result: Pistons won 4-0
1991 NBA Finals - Lakers vs Bulls
Result: Bulls won 4-1
What years did Magic Johnson win his championship rings?
Magic Johnson has won his championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988.
1980 - Midway through Game 5, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar suffered from a severely sprained ankle and was out for Game 6. Magic Johnson shifted to the center spot for the game. Johnson, who was playing in his rookie season, played what has been termed the "greatest game of his career" against the Philadelphia 76ers. After scoring 42 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, the highest in a game, and handing out seven assists, it was Johnson, who eventually led the Lakers to their ultimate goal.
1982 - The LA Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers once again and Magic Johnson was named the MVP of the series after averaging 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game. They won the Finals 4-2 and Johnson dropped 13 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks in the series-clinching game.
1985 - With the combined effort of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 for the first time in franchise history. Johnson averaged 14 assists, 18.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and avenged their 1984 Finals loss to the Larry Bird-led Celtics.
1987 - The Lakers defeated defending champions Boston Celtics 4-2. Magic Johnson's baby sky hook in Game 4 was the highlight of the series. He recovered from a cold first half and scored 16 points, dished out 19 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds in the series-clinching win. He also had 20 assists in Game 2 to go along with 22 points. He was awarded the NBA Finals MVP award.
1988 - The LA Lakers went up against the Isiah Thomas-led Detroit Pistons and won the series 4-3. Magic Johnson had 19 points, 14 assists and 5 rebounds while shooting 66% from the field in Game 7. He dropped double-digit assists in six of the seven games and averaged 21.1 points, 13.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game for the series.
How many years did it take for Magic Johnson to win his first championship?
Magic Johnson won his first championship in his rookie season. His exemplary performance in Game 6 earned him the NBA Finals MVP award in the 1980 championship. He was a 20-year-old rookie and is till date, the only rookie to ever win the award.
Did Magic Johnson win back-to-back rings?
Yes. Magic Johnson won back-to-back rings in 1987 and 1988.
How many rings did Magic Johnson and Kareem win together?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are known to be some of the most iconic duos in the NBA. They have won 5 championship rings together as part of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Magic Johnson rings Pictures
Also Read: Who is Magic Johnson's wife, Cookie Johnson?
FAQs
A. Magic Johnson has an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
