Magic Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. (born August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan) is a 6' 9" (2.06 m) former American professional basketball star who played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s and early 1990s. Playing point guard, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988), as well as four other NBA Finals appearances. He also led Michigan State University to the NCAA title in 1979 against arch-rival Larry Bird's Indiana State University. Johnson is also the only NBA rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP Award. He is one of only four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years.

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August 14 - 1959 - Lansing, Michigan - American - Basketball - Los Angeles Lakers - 1980s - 1990s - Point guard - NBA - 1980 - 1982 - 1985 - 1987 - 1988 - NBA Finals - Michigan State University - NCAA title - 1979 - Larry Bird - Indiana State University - Rookie - NBA Finals MVP Award

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Johnson earned the nickname "Magic" at Everett High School in Lansing from a local sports writer, both for his flamboyant passing style and winning ways. While not known as an exceptional scorer, Magic excelled in all other facets of the game. In different periods of his career, he led the league in assists and steals. He led the Lakers in scoring three times (1987, 1989, 1990) and in rebounding twice (1982, 1983). Although he and Bird eventually became the best of friends off the court, they revived the heated Lakers-Celtics Rivalry and drew millions of new fans to the NBA.

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Nickname - 1987 - 1989 - 1990 - 1982 - 1983 - Court - Lakers-Celtics Rivalry

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The greatest game of Johnson's career arguably came in his rookie season: May 16, 1980, in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Philadelphia. Filling in for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic started the game at center and eventually played every position on the floor in a dominating performance. Scoring a game-high 42 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds, he led the Lakers to the NBA crown, stunning Julius Erving, the Philadelphia 76ers, and a national television audience who came to understand the moniker "Magic". Johnson went on to lead the Lakers to championships in 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.

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May 16 - 1980 - Philadelphia - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - Center - Julius Erving - Philadelphia 76ers - Television - Audience

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