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"Earvin Johnson" redirects here. For the Milwaukee Bucks center, see Ervin Johnson. Ervin Johnson (born December 21 1967 in New Orleans Louisiana) is an American Basketball player currently a Free agent
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Position(s):
Point guard		 Jersey #(s):
32, 33
Height:
6 ft 9 in (2. The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game In team Sports the squad number, shirt number, jersey number, sweater number, or uniform number is the Number 06 m)		 Weight:
255 lb (116 kg)
Born: August 14, 1959 (1959-08-14) (age 48)
Lansing, Michigan, USA
Career information
Year(s): 1979–1996
NBA Draft: 1979 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1
College: Michigan State
Professional teams
Career stats
Points     17,707
Rebounds     6,559
Assists     10,141
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Career highlights and awards
Basketball Hall of Fame

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures The year 1959 ( MCMLIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the In an organised Sports league, a season is the portion of one Year in which regulated Games of the sport are in session The NBA Draft is an annual North American event in which the National Basketball Association 's (NBA thirty teams (29 in the United States and one in 1979 NBA Draft produced some of the best names in NBA history including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief This is a List of Athletic Conferences of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA Michigan State University ( MSU) is a co-educational public Research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. Points in Basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game A rebound in Basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or Free throw. In Basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1979-80 NBA season. The 1982 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1981-82 NBA season, the top level of competition in The 1985 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1984-85 NBA season. The 1987 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1986-87 NBA season. The 1988 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1987-88 NBA season. The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top Rookies during the regular The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen (born August 14, 1959) is a retired American basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Events 1183 - Taira no Munemori and the Taira clan take the young Emperor Antoku and the three sacred treasures The year 1959 ( MCMLIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. After winning a championship at both the high school and college level, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers. Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m College basketball most often refers to the American Basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA 1979 NBA Draft produced some of the best names in NBA history including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief Johnson won a championship and a Finals MVP award in his first season, and the Lakers went on to win a total of five championships during the 1980s. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had HIV, but he returned to win the MVP of 1992 All-Star Game. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome The 1992 NBA All-Star Game was the 42nd edition of the All-Star Game. He retired again for four years after protests from his fellow players, but he returned in 1996 to play 32 games for the Lakers, before retiring for the second and final time.

Johnson's career achievements include five NBA championships, three Most Valuable Player Awards, and three Finals Most Valuable Player Awards. He also played in nine NBA Finals series, 12 All-Star games, and was voted into 10 All-NBA First and Second Teams. The NBA Finals is the championship series of the National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each June The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season He led the league in regular-season assists four times, and he is the NBA's all-time leader in assists per game with an average of 11. In Basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" 2 per game. [1] Johnson was also a member of the "Dream Team" U. The United States men's national basketball team is the representative for the United States of America in international men's Basketball. S. basketball team that won the Olympic gold medal in 1992. The Olympic Games is an international Multi-sport event established for both summer and winter games

Johnson was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in downtown Springfield Massachusetts, honors players who have shown exceptional skill at Basketball [2] He was also rated the greatest NBA point guard of all time by ESPN in 2007. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to [3] His friendship and rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, based on regular games at championship level between the Lakers and Celtics, were well-documented. The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top Since his retirement, he has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,[4] as well as a philanthropist. Safe sex (also called safer sex or protected sex) is the practice of Sexual activity in a manner that reduces the risk of Infection with Philanthropy is the act of donating money goods services time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause with a defined objective and with no financial or material [5]

Contents

Professional biography

Early years

Earvin Johnson Jr. was the sixth of ten children born to Earvin Sr. , a General Motors assembly worker, and Christine, a school custodian. General Motors Corporation ( GM) ( is a multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1908 and headquartered in the United States. [6] Johnson grew up in Lansing, Michigan, and came to love basketball as a youngster, idolizing players such as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes. Vernon Earl Monroe (born on November 21 1944 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is an American former professional Basketball player known for his flamboyant Dribbling Marques Haynes (born October 3, 1926) is an American former professional Basketball player and member of the Harlem Globetrotters, [7] "I practiced all day," he later said. "I dribbled to the store with my right hand and back with my left. Then I slept with my basketball. "[4]

Johnson was first nicknamed "Magic" as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Lansing's Everett High School, when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Everett High School is a public high school located on the south side of Lansing Michigan. A triple-double is a Basketball term defined as an individual performance in a game in which a player accumulates double-digit totals (i Points in Basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game A rebound in Basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or Free throw. [8] After the game, Fred Stabley Jr. , a sports writer for the Lansing State Journal, nicknamed him "Magic",[9] despite Johnson's Christian mother thinking that the name was sacriligeous. The Lansing State Journal is a daily Newspaper published in Lansing Michigan owned by Gannett. [4] In the summer before his senior year, Johnson's best friend Reggie Chastaine was killed in a car accident, which Johnson said was "devastating". [10] During his final high school season, Johnson led Lansing Everett to a 27–1 win loss record while averaging 28. 8 points and 16. 8 rebounds per game. [4] The team fulfilled their promise of winning the state title in Chastaine's honor by winning the state title game in overtime. A US state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of the United States of America that share Sovereignty with the federal government Overtime is an additional period of play specified under the rules of a Sport in order to bring the game to a decision and avoid declaring the contest a tie or draw [11]

Michigan State University

Although Johnson was recruited by top-ranked colleges such as Indiana and UCLA, he decided to play close to home. Indiana University is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. The University of California Los Angeles (generally known as UCLA) is a public research university located in Westwood Los Angeles, California, United [12] Although he initially wanted to go to the University of Michigan, he eventually decided on Division I Michigan State University in East Lansing, after their basketball coach Jud Heathcote promised Johnson that he would play point guard. The University of Michigan Ann Arbor ( U of M, U-M, UM or simply Michigan) is a top-ranked Coeducational public research Division I (or D-I) is the highest level of intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States Michigan State University ( MSU) is a co-educational public Research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. East Lansing is a city in the US state of Michigan. The city is located directly east of Lansing, Michigan, the state's capital George Melvin "Jud" Heathcote is a former College basketball coach Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game [13]

Initially, Johnson did not want to play professionally, and instead focused on his major of communication studies, and his desire to become a television commentator. Communication studies is an Academic field that deals with processes of communication commonly defined as the sharing of Symbols over distances in space and time [14] But playing with future NBA players Greg Kelser and Jay Vincent, Johnson averaged 17. Gregory (Greg Kelser (born September 17, 1957, in Panama City Florida) is a retired American Basketball player Jay Fletcher Vincent (born June 10 1959 in Kalamazoo Michigan) is a retired American professional Basketball player 0 points, 7. 9 rebounds and 7. 4 assists per game as a freshman, and led the Spartans to a 25–5 record, the Big Ten Conference title, and a berth in the 1978 NCAA tournament. First year, or freshman, is a term in an educational setting often used to describe a student's status during their first year at an educational institution The Michigan State Spartans are the athletic teams that represent Michigan State University. The 1978 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 32 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA [15] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but they lost narrowly to eventual national champion Kentucky. The term Elite Eight refers to the final eight teams in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship or the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship. The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest team in the history of College basketball, [16]

Before the 1978–79 season, Johnson was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as one of the top ten sophomore players in the country. Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Sophomore is a term used to describe a second effort instance or release [17] During the season, Michigan State again qualified for the NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the championship game, and faced Indiana State University, which was led by senior Larry Bird. The 1979 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 40 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single elimination Tournament held each spring featuring 65 College basketball teams in the Indiana State University ( ISU) is a Public university that is located in Terre Haute Indiana, United States. Larry Joe Bird (born December 7 1956 is a retired American NBA Basketball player widely considered as one of the best players of all time and one of the top In what is still the highest-rated college basketball game ever,[18] Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75–64, and Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. At the conclusion of the NCAA men's and women's Division I Basketball championships (the "Final Four" tournaments the The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single elimination Tournament held each spring featuring 65 College basketball teams in the [11] After two years in college, Johnson declared himself eligible for the 1979 NBA Draft, and finished his career at Michigan State with averages of 17. 1 points, 7. 6 rebounds, and 7. 9 assists per game. [19]

Rookie season in the NBA (1979–80)

Although the Los Angeles Lakers finished with 47 wins and advanced to the second round of the playoffs in the 1978–79 season,[20] they owned the first pick of the 1979 NBA Draft due to a previous trade with the New Orleans Jazz. The Los Angeles Lakers are a National Basketball Association (NBA team based in Los Angeles, California. The 1979 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1978-1979 season. The 1978–79 NBA season was the 33rd season of the National Basketball Association. 1979 NBA Draft produced some of the best names in NBA history including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Bill Cartwright, Sidney Moncrief The Utah Jazz is a professional Basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although the management of the Lakers were intitially skeptical of drafting Johnson, owner Jerry Buss eventually persuaded them to draft Johnson. Gerald Hatten “Jerry” Buss (born in 1934 is an American professional Basketball team owner a former Real estate developer and a Poker player [2] Johnson signed with Los Angeles for $500,000 a year, which was the highest rookie contract ever up to that point. [21] Johnson said that the "most amazing" part about being with the Lakers was to play alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,[22] a 7 ft 2 in (2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr; April 16 1947 is an American athlete and retired professional Basketball player widely considered 18 m) center who would become the leading scorer in NBA history. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game [22] But despite Abdul-Jabbar's dominance, he had failed to win a championship with the Lakers, and Johnson was expected to help the Lakers achieve their goal of a championship. [23] Johnson's averages of 18. 0 points, 7. 7 rebounds and 7. 3 assists per game for the season ensured that he was named both an All-Rookie selection and an NBA All-Star Game starter, although the NBA Rookie of the Year Award went to his rival Bird, who had been drafted by the Boston Celtics. The NBA All-Rookie Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor given since the 1962–63 NBA season to the top Rookies during the regular The National Basketball Association staged its first All-Star Game in the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. The National Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1952–53 NBA season, to the The Boston Celtics are an American professional Basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the Atlantic Division of the [19]

The Lakers compiled a 60–22 record in the regular season and reached the 1980 NBA Finals,[24] where they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by future Hall of Fame forward Julius Erving. The 1980 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1979-80 NBA season. The Philadelphia 76ers (also known as the Sixers for short are a professional Basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The three basketball positions normally employed by organized Basketball teams are guard forward and center Julius Winfield Erving II (born February 22 1950 and raised in Roosevelt New York) commonly known by the nickname Dr The Lakers took a 3–2 lead, but Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33 points a game in the series,[25] sprained his ankle in Game 5, and was unable to play in the remainder of the series. [23] Paul Westhead, who had replaced Jack McKinney as head coach earlier in the season, decided to put Johnson at center. Paul Westhead (born February 21, 1939 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania) is an assistant Basketball coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder Jack McKinney may refer to Jack McKinney (writer, a pseudonym used by James Luceno and Brian Daley Jack McKinney (basketball, a former In Game 6, Johnson recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals, played guard, forward and center at different points in the game, and lifted the Lakers to a 123–107 win. In Basketball, a steal occurs when a defensive player legally gains control of the ball from an offensive player [23] Johnson became the first and only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award,[23] and his clutch performance is still regarded as one of the finest ever in the NBA. The National Basketball Association Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA award given since the 1969 NBA Finals. In US- Sports terminology " clutch " means performing well under extreme pressure [3][26][27] He also became one of only four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years. [28]

Ups and downs (1980–83)

Early in the 1980–81 season, Johnson was sidelined after he suffered torn cartilage in his left knee. The 1980–81 NBA season was the 35th season of the National Basketball Association. Cartilage is a type of dense Connective tissue. It is composed of specialized cells called chondrocytes that produce a large amount of extracellular matrix The knee is the lower extremity Joint connecting the Femur, Patella, and the Tibia. Johnson missed a total of 45 games,[19] and he said that the time of his rehabilitation was the "most down" he had ever been. [29] Johnson made his much-anticipated return before the start of the playoffs,[30] but the Lakers' assistant and future head coach Pat Riley later said that Johnson's return made the Lakers a "divided team". The 1981 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament follow National Basketball Association 's 1980-1981 season. Patrick James Riley (born March 20 1945 is a former American National Basketball Association head coach and current team president of the Miami Heat. [31] The Lakers faced the Houston Rockets, who finished only 40–42 in the regular season,[32] in the first round, but the Rockets upset the Lakers 2–1, after Johnson airballed a last-second shot in Game 3 on a play originally designed for Abdul-Jabbar. The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. [33] During the off-season, Johnson signed a 25-year, $25-million contract, which was the highest-paying contract in sports history up to that point. [34]

At the beginning of the 1981–82 NBA season, Johnson had a heated dispute with Westhead, who Johnson said made the Lakers "slow" and "predictable". The 1981–82 NBA Season was the 36th season of the National Basketball Association. [35] After Johnson demanded to be traded, Buss fired Westhead, and replaced him with Riley. Although Johnson denied responsibility for Westhead's firing,[36] he was booed across the league, even by the Lakers' fans. [4] Despite his off-court troubles, Johnson averaged 18. 6 points, 9. 6 rebounds, 9. 5 assists, and a league-high 2. 7 steals per game, and was voted a member of the All-NBA Second Team. The All-NBA Team is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA honor bestowed on the best players in the league following every NBA season [19] He also joined Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson as the only NBA players to tally at least 700 points, 700 rebounds and 700 assists in the same season. Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21 1936&ndashOctober 12 1999 nicknamed Wilt the Stilt, The Big Dipper, and Chairman of the Boards Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24 1938 in Charlotte Tennessee) nicknamed " The Big O " is a former American NBA player with [11] The Lakers advanced through the playoffs and faced Philadelphia for the second time in three years in the 1982 NBA Finals. The 1982 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1981-1982 season. The 1982 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1981-82 NBA season, the top level of competition in After a triple-double from Johnson in Game 6, the Lakers defeated the Sixers 4–2, as Johnson won his second NBA Finals MVP award. [37] Johnson later said that his third season was when the Lakers first became a great team,[38] and he credited Riley with making Lakers successful. [39]

During the 1982–83 NBA season, Johnson averaged 16. The 1982–83 NBA season was the 37th season of the National Basketball Association. 8 points, 8. 6 rebounds and 10. 5 assists per game and earned his first All-NBA First Team nomination. [19] The Lakers again reached the Finals, and faced the Sixers for a third time, who featured future Hall of Fame center Moses Malone as well as Erving. The 1983 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1982-83 NBA season. The center, colloquially the five, is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game Moses Eugene Malone (born March 23 1955 in Petersburg Virginia) is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA Basketball player who [40] With Johnson's teammates Norm Nixon, James Worthy and Bob McAdoo all hobbled by injuries, the Lakers were swept by the Sixers, and Malone was crowned the Finals MVP. Norman Ellard Nixon (born October 11, 1955 in Macon Georgia) is a retired American professional Basketball player for the James Ager Worthy (born February 27 1961 in Gastonia North Carolina) is a retired American college and professional Basketball player Robert Allen 'Bob' McAdoo (born September 25 1951 in Greensboro, North Carolina) is a retired American professional Basketball player who spent a [40]

Battles with the Celtics (1983–87)

In Johnson's fifth year, he had another strong season of 17. The 1983–84 NBA season was the 38th season of the National Basketball Association. 6 points, 7. 3 rebounds and 13. 1 assists per game. [19] The Lakers reached the Finals for the third year in a row, where Johnson's Lakers and Bird's Celtics met for the first time in the post-season. The 1984 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1983-84 NBA season. [41] After winning the first game, the Lakers led by two points in Game 2 with only 18 seconds to go, but Johnson lost the ball to Celtic Gerald Henderson, who hit the tying layup. Jerome McKinley "Gerald" Henderson (born January 16 1956) is a retired American Basketball player See also Basketball moves A layup in Basketball is a two point attempt made by leaping from below laying the ball up near the basket and using one hand to On the ensuing possession, Johnson failed to get a shot off before the final buzzer sounded, and the Lakers lost 124–121 in overtime. [41] In Game 3, Johnson responded with 21 assists in a 137–104 win, but in Game 4, Johnson again made several crucial errors late in the game. In the final minute of the game, Johnson had the ball stolen from him by Celtics center Robert Parish, and then missed two free throws that could have won the game. Robert Lee Parish (born in Shreveport Louisiana) is a retired American Basketball center. The Celtics won Game 4 in overtime, and the teams split the next two games. In the decisive Game 7 in Boston, trailing by three points in the final minute, opposing point guard Dennis Johnson stole the ball from Johnson, which effectively ended the series. WikipediaPersondata --> Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18 1954 &ndash February 22 2007 nicknamed "DJ" was an American professional Basketball [41] Johnson later termed the series as "the one championship we should have had but didn't get". [42]

In the 1984–85 NBA season, Johnson returned to form and averaged 18. The 1984–85 NBA season was the 39th season of the National Basketball Association. 3 points, 6. 2 rebounds and 12. 6 assists per game in the regular season. [19] He led the Lakers into the 1985 NBA Finals, where they again played against the Celtics. The 1985 NBA World Championship Series was the championship round of the 1984-85 NBA season. The series started poorly for the Lakers, when they allowed an NBA Finals record 148 points to the Celtics in a 38 point loss in Game 1. [43] However, Abdul-Jabbar, who was now 38 years old, scored 30 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in Game 2, and his 36 points in the Game 5 win were instrumental in establishing a 3–2 lead for Los Angeles. [43] After the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, both Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, who averaged 15. 2 assists per game in the finals,[44] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers. [45]

Johnson again averaged a double-double in the 1985–86 NBA season, with 18. The 1985–86 NBA season was the 40th season of the National Basketball Association. 8 points, 5. 9 rebounds, and 12. 6 assists per game. [19] But after advancing to the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers were unable to defeat Houston, who advanced to the Finals in five games. The 1986 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1985-86 season. [46] However, in the next season, Johnson averaged a career-high of 23. The 1986–87 NBA season was the 41st season of the National Basketball Association. 9 points, as well as 6. 3 rebounds and 12. 2 assists per game,[19] and earned his first regular season MVP award. [2] The Lakers met the Celtics again in the 1987 NBA Finals, and in Game 4, Johnson hit a last-second hook shot over the outstretched arms of Celtics big men Robert Parish and Kevin McHale to win the game 107–106. The 1987 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1986-87 NBA season. Frontcourt is a term used in basketball referring to the Small forward, power forward, and center positions as a cohesive unit [47] The game-winning shot, which Johnson dubbed his "junior, junior, junior sky-hook",[47] put the Lakers up three games to one, and Los Angeles went on to win in six games. For his feats, Johnson was awarded his third Finals MVP title. [47]

Repeat and falling short (1987–91)

Before the 1987–88 NBA season, Lakers coach Pat Riley publicly promised the media that they would defend the NBA title, although the last team to successfully repeat their title was the Boston Celtics, who won the 1968 and 1969 Finals. The 1987–88 NBA season was the 42nd season of the National Basketball Association. The 1968 NBA Finals pitted the Boston Celtics from the East against the Los Angeles Lakers from the West for the sixth time in ten years The 1969 NBA World Championship Series to determine the champion of the 1968-69 NBA season was played between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, [48] Johnson had another productive season with averages of 19. 6 points, 6. 2 rebounds, 11. 9 assists per games. [19] In the 1988 playoffs, the Lakers survived two narrow 4–3 series against the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks to reach the Finals and face the Detroit Pistons,[49] who were nicknamed the "Bad Boys" because of their physical rough style of play. The 1988 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1987-1988 season. The Dallas Mavericks (also known as the Mavs) are the professional Basketball team of the National Basketball Association based in Dallas Texas The 1988 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1987-88 NBA season. The Detroit Pistons are a team in the National Basketball Association based in the Detroit metropolitan area [50] After splitting the first six games 3–3, Laker forward and Finals MVP James Worthy had his first career triple-double of 36 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, and he led his team to a 108–105 win. James Ager Worthy (born February 27 1961 in Gastonia North Carolina) is a retired American college and professional Basketball player [51]

In the 1988–89 NBA season, Johnson's 22. The 1988–89 NBA season was the 43rd season of the National Basketball Association. 5 points, 7. 9 rebounds and 12. 8 assists per game earned him his second MVP award,[19] and the Lakers reached the 1989 NBA Finals, where they again faced the Pistons. The 1989 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1988-89 NBA season. But after Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, the Lakers were no match for the Pistons, who swept them 4–0. [52]

Although Abdul-Jabbar retired the following year, Johnson won his third MVP award after a strong regular season with averages of 22. The 1989–90 NBA season was the 44th season of the National Basketball Association. 3 points, 6. 6 rebounds and 11. 5 assists per game. [19] But the Lakers bowed out in the second playoff round to the Phoenix Suns, which was the Lakers earliest elimination in the playoffs in nine years. The 1990 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1989-1990 season. The Phoenix Suns are a professional Basketball team based in Phoenix Arizona. [53] Johnson performed well during the 1990–91 NBA season, with averages of 19. The 1990–91 NBA season was the 45th season of the National Basketball Association. 4 points, 7. 0 rebounds, and 12. 5 assists per game, and the Lakers reached the 1991 NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls, who were led by shooting guard Michael Jordan, a five-time scoring champion regarded as the finest player of his era. The 1991 NBA Finals was the Championship round of the 1990-91 NBA season. The Chicago Bulls are an American professional Basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern The Shooting guard ( SG) also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a Basketball team Michael Jeffrey Jordan (born February 17 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player and active businessman Although the series was portrayed as a matchup between Johnson and Jordan,[54] Bulls defensive stalwart Scottie Pippen defended well against Johnson, and despite two triple-doubles from Johnson during the series, Finals MVP Jordan led his team to a 4–1 win. Scottie Maurice Pippen (born September 25 1965 is an American retired Professional Basketball player who played in the National Basketball [4]

HIV announcement and Olympics (1991–92)

During a physical before the 1991–92 NBA season, it was discovered that Johnson had tested positive for HIV. Physical examination or clinical examination is the process by which a Health care provider investigates the body of a Patient for signs The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome In a press conference held on November 7, 1991, Johnson made a public announcement that he would retire immediately. Events 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite the oldest Meteorite with a known date of impact strikes the Earth around noon in a Wheat Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. [55] He stated that both his wife Cookie and their unborn child did not have HIV, and that he was going to dedicate his life to "battle this deadly disease". [55] Johnson initially said that he did not know how he contracted the disease,[55] but later admitted that it was through having multiple sexual partners during his playing career. [56] At the time, AIDS was commonly associated with homosexuality,[57] and only a small percentage of HIV-positive people had contracted it from heterosexual sex. Homosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex or to a Homosexual orientation. [58] Although it was rumored that Johnson was gay or bisexual, he denied that he was either. In the English language, gay is an Adjective that in modern usage refers to Homosexuality. Bisexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of both sexes or to a bisexual orientation [58] The announcement, which was broadcast live across America,[58] became a major news story around the country,[59] and was later named as ESPN's 7th most memorable moment. [60] Many articles praised Johnson as a hero, and U. S. President George H. W. Bush said: "For me, Magic is a hero, a hero for anyone who loves sports. George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12 1924 served as the forty-first President of the United States from 1989 to 1993 "[61]

Despite his retirement, Johnson was still voted by fans into the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, although his former teammates Byron Scott and A.C. Green said that Johnson should not play,[62] and several NBA players, including Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone argued that they would be at risk of contamination if Johnson suffered an open wound while on court. The 1992 NBA All-Star Game was the 42nd edition of the All-Star Game. Byron Antom Scott (born March 28 1961 in Ogden, Utah) is a former National Basketball Association player and current head coach of the NBA's New Orleans Karl Anthony Malone (born July 24 1963 is a retired American professional Basketball player [63] However, Johnson led the West to a 153–113 win and was crowned All-Star MVP after recording 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. [64] The game ended after he made a last-minute three-pointer, and players from both teams ran onto the court to congratulate Johnson. A three-point field goal (also known as three-pointer, three-point shot, trey, or simply three) is a field goal in a Basketball [65]

Olympic medal record
Men's basketball
Competitor for Flag of the United States United States
Gold 1992 Barcelona National team

Despite being HIV-positive, Johnson was chosen to compete in the 1992 Summer Olympics for the US basketball team, which was dubbed the "Dream Team" because of the numerous NBA stars on the roster. Basketball has been played consistently at the Summer Olympic Games since 1936 with demonstration events in 1904 and 1924 The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Barcelona, In 1989 the FIBA allowed professional NBA players to participate in the Olympics for the first time The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Barcelona, The United States men's national basketball team is the representative for the United States of America in international men's Basketball. [66] During the tournament, Johnson played infrequently due to knee problems, but he received standing ovations from the crowd, and he used the opportunity to attempt to inspire HIV positive people. A standing ovation is a form of Applause where members of a seated Audience stand up while applauding [14]

Post-Olympics and later life

Johnson's number 32 jersey was retired by the Lakers in 1992.
Johnson's number 32 jersey was retired by the Lakers in 1992.

Johnson announced that he would attempt a comeback to the Lakers for the 1992–93 NBA season. The 1992–93 NBA season was the 47th season of the National Basketball Association. However, after he practiced and played in several pre-season games, he decided to return to retirement before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return from several NBA players. [11] After his retirement, Johnson engaged himself in several activities, including writing a book on safer sex, running several businesses, working for NBC as a commentator, building movie theaters in minority areas of Los Angeles, and touring Asia and Australia with a basketball team comprising former college and NBA players. The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. [2]

In the 1993–94 NBA season, Johnson returned to the NBA as head coach of the Lakers, replacing Randy Pfund. The 1993–94 NBA season was the 48th season of the National Basketball Association. Randy Pfund is an American former National Basketball Association (NBA Head coach and a former NBA executive But after he lost the next six, he announced he would not continue coaching, and instead purchased a 5% share of the Lakers in June of 1994, becoming a part-time owner. [4] In the following year, at the age of 36, Johnson again attempted a comeback as a player. The 1995–96 NBA season was the 50th season of the National Basketball Association, although the league didn't celebrate this anniversary until the following season Playing power forward, he averaged 14. 6 points, 6. 9 assists, and 5. 7 rebounds per game in the last 32 games of the season. [19] But the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs,[67] and Johnson retired permanently, saying: "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992. The Houston Rockets are an American professional Basketball team based in Houston Texas. The 1996 NBA Playoffs was the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association 's 1995-1996 season. "[11]

Off the court

Magic Johnson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Magic Johnson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1998, Johnson hosted a late night talk show on Fox called The Magic Hour, but the show was cancelled after two months due to low ratings. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a Sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood Los Angeles California, USA, that [68] Today, he runs Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that has a net worth of 700 million dollars,[69] and owns several subsidiaries, including Magic Johnson Productions, a promotional company; Magic Johnson Theaters, a nationwide chain of movie theaters; and Magic Johnson Entertainment, a movie studio. Magic Johnson Enterprises is a company owned by former Basketball superstar Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson Theatres are a chain of movie theatres, originally developed in 1994 by Johnson Development Corporation the business holding of basketball player-turned-entrepreneur [70] He also is an NBA analyst for Turner Network Television,[71] and he is a major supporter of the Democratic Party, and has endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California,[72] and Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. Turner Network Television, usually referred to as TNT, is an American cable TV network created by media mogul Ted Turner and currently owned The Democratic Party is one of two major Political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. Philip Nicholas "Phil" Angelides (ˌændʒɨˈliːdɨs (born June 11, 1953 in Sacramento California) is a California Politician The Governor of California is the highest executive authority in the state government whose responsibilities include making annual "State of the State" addresses Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26 1947 is the junior United States Senator from The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by [73]

Johnson first fathered a son in 1981, when Andre Johnson was born to Melissa Mitchell. [69] In 1991, Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly, with whom he had one son, Earvin III;[69] Johnson has also adopted a daughter, Elisa. [74] Johnson, who does not have AIDS, currently takes a drug cocktail from GlaxoSmithKline, which he endorses. GlaxoSmithKline plc () is a United Kingdom -based pharmaceutical, biological and Healthcare Company. [75]

HIV activism

In 2003, Johnson met with Nancy Pelosi to discuss federal assistance for those with AIDS.
In 2003, Johnson met with Nancy Pelosi to discuss federal assistance for those with AIDS. Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi (born March 26 1940 is the current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

After announcing his infection, Johnson teamed up with his physician Dr. Lynn Montana to help educate the world's youth about the risks associated with HIV. [14] Johnson also set up the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV,[76] although he later diversified the foundation to include other charitable goals. The Magic Johnson Foundation is a charity that attempts to "address the educational health and social needs of ethnically diverse urban communities" [77] In 1992, he joined the National Commission on AIDS, but left after only eight months, saying that the commission was not doing enough to combat the disease. [76] He was also the main speaker for the United Nations (UN) World AIDS Day Conference in 1999,[77] and he has served as a United Nations Messengers of Peace. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of United Nations Messenger of Peace is a title bestowed by the United Nations to select individuals "chosen from the fields of art music literature and sports who have agreed [78].

Johnson stated that abstinence is the safest way to avoid contracting HIV via sexual contact, and he used his status as a basketball player to help debunk several popular misconceptions about HIV. [14] Previously, HIV had been associated with drug addicts and homosexuals,[76] but Johnson's admission and subsequent campaigns publicized a risk of infection that included everyone. Johnson stated that his aim was to "help educate all people about what [HIV] is about" and teach others not to "discriminate against people who have HIV and AIDS. "[77] However, in recent years, he has also been criticized by the AIDS community for his decreasing involvement in halting and publicizing the spread of the disease. [76][77]

Legacy

“ Few athletes are truly unique, changing the way their sport is played with their singular skills. ”

—Introductory line of Johnson's biography, NBA Encyclopedia: Playoff Edition[2]
A statue of Magic Johnson outside of Staples Center
A statue of Magic Johnson outside of Staples Center

Johnson played the point guard position and is considered as one of the most successful and unique players in the history of the game. Staples Center is a multi-purpose sports Arena in Downtown Los Angeles California adjacent to the L Point guard ( PG) also called the one or " the ball-handler " is one of the standard positions in a regulation Basketball game He was a five-time NBA champion and a 12-time All-Star, earned a place on ten All-NBA teams, and was thrice named MVP of the regular season and the Finals. In 905 NBA games, he scored 17,707 points, 6,559 rebounds and 10,141 assists, translating to career averages of 19. 5 points, 7. 2 rebounds and 11. 2 assists per game. [19] Johnson shares the single game playoff record for assists with 24,[79] holds the Finals record for assists in a game with 21,[79] and has the most playoff assists with 2,346. [80] He holds the All-Star Game single game record for assists with 22, and the All-Star Game record for career assists with 127. [79] Johnson also remains the NBA's all-time leader in assists per game. [1]

Johnson introduced an fast-paced style of basketball that became known as "Showtime", described as a mix of "no-look passes off the fastbreak, pin-point alley-oops from halfcourt, spinning feeds and overhand bullets under the basket through triple teams. A double team in Basketball is defending one offensive player with two defensive players "[4] Fellow Lakers guard Michael Cooper stated that: "There have been times when he [Johnson] has thrown passes and I wasn't sure where he was going. Michael Jerome Cooper (born April 15 1956 in Los Angeles California) is currently the head coach of the WNBA 's Los Angeles Sparks. Then one of our guys catches the ball and scores, and I run back up the floor convinced that he must've thrown it through somebody. "[4][11] Johnson was also unique because he played point guard despite being 6–9, a size reserved normally for frontcourt players. [4] Johnson combined the size of a power forward, the one-on-one skills of a swingman and the ball handling talent of a guard, making him one of the most dangerous triple-double threats of all time; his 138 triple-double-games are second only to Oscar Robertson's 181. Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the Small forward and Shooting guard positions and in essence swing between the shooting Oscar Palmer Robertson (born November 24 1938 in Charlotte Tennessee) nicknamed " The Big O " is a former American NBA player with [81]

For his feats, Johnson was voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players of All Time by the NBA in 1996,[82] and he was introduced into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in downtown Springfield Massachusetts, honors players who have shown exceptional skill at Basketball [83] In 2006, ESPN. ESPN, originally an acronym for Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is an American Cable television network dedicated to com rated Johnson the greatest point guard of all time, and stated: "It could be argued that he's the one player in NBA history who was better than Michael Jordan. "[3] Several of his achievements in individual games have also been named one of the top moments in the NBA. [27][84][85]

Rivalry with Larry Bird

Ever since the 1979 NCAA Finals, in which Johnson's Michigan State squad defeated Larry Bird's Indiana State team, Johnson and Bird were linked as rivals. From 1980 to 1988, their respective Lakers and Celtics teams won eight of nine NBA titles. The rivalry reached its climax in the mid-'80s, when their teams met in three NBA Finals (1984, 1985, 1987). Johnson appreciated the rivalry greatly, asserting that for him, the 82 game regular season was composed of 80 normal games and "the two", i. e. the Lakers-Celtics games. Similarly, Bird admitted that Johnson's box score was the first thing he looked at after every game day, stating everything else was unimportant. In competitive Sports, games or matches are often summarized in a box score [65]

Several journalists hypothesised that the Johnson-Bird rivalry was so appealing because it represented many other rivalries, such as the clash between Lakers and Celtics, between Hollywood flash ("Showtime") and Boston/Indiana blue collar grit ("Celtics Pride"), and between blacks and whites. [86] [87] Apart from the on-court differences, the rivalry proved significant because it drew national attention to the faltering NBA. Prior to Johnson and Bird, the league had gone through a decade of declining interest and low TV ratings. [88] With the two Hall-of-Famers, the league won a whole generation of new fans,[89] drawing both traditionalist adherents of Bird's dirt court Indiana game and those appreciative of Johnson's public park flair. Sports journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN even went as far as to assert that Johnson and Bird saved the NBA from bankruptcy. [11]

Despite their on-court rivalry Johnson and Bird became good friends privately, ironically during the filming of a joint 1984 Converse shoe ad which was meant to depict them as enemies. [90] When Bird retired in 1992, Johnson appeared at his retirement ceremony and described Bird as a "friend forever",[65] and during Johnson's induction into the Hall of Fame, Bird formally inducted Johnson in the ceremony. [89]

Books

Biographies

Johnson's autobiography is Johnson, Earvin (1992). An autobiography, from the Greek αὐτός autos "self" βίος bios "life" and γράφειν graphein "to write" Magic Johnson: My Life. Random House. ISBN 0449222543.   Other biographies include:

Instructional

References

General
Specific
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  66. ^ Ten of the 12 players on the team were named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players: The Original Dream Team. The 50 Greatest Players in National Basketball Association History (also referred to as the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team or NBA's Top 50) were chosen NBA. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre.
  67. ^ 1996 Playoff Results. NBA Encyclopedia: Playoff Edition. Retrieved on 2008-05-07. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 558 - In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses
  68. ^ "'Magic Hour' Canceled", New York Times, 1998-08-08. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen  
  69. ^ a b c Rovell, Darren (2005-10-08). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 314 - Roman Emperor Licinius is defeated by his colleague Constantine I at the Battle of Cibalae, and loses Passing on the Magic. ESPN. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen
  70. ^ Walk, Gary Eng (October 7, 1998). Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Magic Johnson joins the music biz. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.
  71. ^ NBA 05-06 TNT. TNT. tv. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the
  72. ^ Magic Johnson backs Angelides for Governor. angelides. com (2005-11-29). Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Retrieved on 2007-09-13. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September
  73. ^ "Magic Johnson, Bill Clinton team up for Hillary", USA Today, December 20, 2007. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Retrieved on 2008-05-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1291 - Scottish Nobles recognize the authority of Edward I of England.  
  74. ^ Brozan, Nadine. "Chronicle", New York Times, 1995-01-26. Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Events 1340 - King Edward III of England is declared King of France. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen  
  75. ^ "Magic Johnson assists drugmaker to advertise HIV treatment", USAToday. com, January 20, 2003. Events 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-25. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors.  
  76. ^ a b c d McCallum, Jack. "Life After Death", Sports Illustrated, August 20, 2001. Events 636 - Battle of Yarmouk: Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid take control of Syria and Palestine Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the  
  77. ^ a b c d Farrey, Tom. "AIDS community misses old Magic act", Sports Illustrated, November 7, 1991. Events 1492 - The Ensisheim Meteorite the oldest Meteorite with a known date of impact strikes the Earth around noon in a Wheat Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the  
  78. ^ Rhoden, William C. . "Sports of The Times; The Greatest Is Honored by The Diplomat", New York Times, September 16, 1998. Events 1400 - Owain Glyndŵr is declared Prince of Wales by his followers Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the  
  79. ^ a b c Magic Johnson Career Stats. NBA Encyclopedia: Playoff Edition. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen
  80. ^ All-Time Playoffs Individual Career Leaders. NBA Encyclopedia: Playoff Edition. Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen
  81. ^ Wojnarowski, Adrian (2006-11-18). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Making triple trouble. Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved on 2007-09-13. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September
  82. ^ The NBA at 50. NBA. com. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the
  83. ^ "Johnson, Brown elected to Hall of Fame", ESPN. com, June 5, 2002. Events 70 - Titus and his Roman Legions breach the middle wall of Jerusalem in the Siege of Jerusalem See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-15. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the  
  84. ^ Forrester, Paul (2007-02-16). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols Top 15 All-Star Weekend moments. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on 2008-05-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre.
  85. ^ The 60 Greatest Playoff Moments. NBA Encyclopedia: Playoff Edition. Retrieved on 2008-05-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre.
  86. ^ Bork (1995), pp. 49–55.
  87. ^ Halberstam, David (1987-06-29). Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland. The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on 2008-05-12. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1191 - Richard I of England marries Berengaria of Navarre.
  88. ^ "'Magic' Time", CBS News, 2002-09-27. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 489 - Odoacer attacks Theodoric at the Battle of Verona and is defeated again Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen  
  89. ^ a b "Larry Bird inducting Magic Johnson", CBC Sports, 2002-08-15. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 778 - The Battle of Roncevaux Pass, at which Roland is killed Retrieved on 2008-05-08. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen  
  90. ^ Johnson; Novak. My Life, 203.  

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