Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a former American professional basketball player and current entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is best known for his successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he won five NBA championships and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times. He is also known for his philanthropic work and his efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Earvin Johnson Jr. was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. He was the youngest of Earvin Sr. and Christine Johnson's nine children. From a young age, Johnson was known for his love of sports, particularly basketball. He attended Everett High School in Lansing, where he led the varsity basketball team to a state championship in 1977.
After graduating from high school, Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he played college basketball for the Spartans. He quickly became a star player and helped lead the team to the NCAA Championship in 1979. In the same year, he was also named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
In 1979, Johnson declared for the NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. He made an immediate impact with the Lakers, leading the team to the NBA Championship in his rookie season. He continued to lead the Lakers to four more NBA championships in the 1980s, earning the nickname "Magic" for his incredible on-court abilities.
In addition to his success on the basketball court, Johnson is also known for his philanthropic work. He has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including HIV/AIDS research and education. In 1991, he announced that he had tested positive for HIV, and since then he has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Aside from his work on the basketball court and in philanthropy, Johnson has also been successful in business. He has owned various businesses, including a movie theater chain and a television production company. He has also served as a commentator and analyst for various sports programs.
In summary, Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a former NBA player and current entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is best known for his successful career with the Los Angeles Lakers and his efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. He is a truly remarkable individual who has made a positive impact on the world through his talents and dedication to charitable causes.