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Magic is born
Born in the middle of 7 children. A jolly baby that smiled alot, and was willing to be picked up and played with whenever anybody wanted to. -
Childhood
During Magic's childhood, he spent his WHOLE day outside practicing basketball whether it was in a pickup game at the park or just dribbling on the sidewalk. His dad was so influetial to him that he would drive him to different parks for his son to play in a pickup game -
High School Basketball
Magic heads to Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan. As a sophomore, Magic recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists. As a senior, Magic led his team to a overtime state championship title in 1977. -
Decision Time
By the end of Magic's senior season at Everett. Recruiters from top-level colleges were all over him, and he was even getting recognition as a freshman. He narrowed it down to Michigan State and University of Michigan because he wanted to stay close to home. He made the right choice -
Time at Michigan State
Magic is apart of of the 1979 NCAA Championship team at Michigan State University. The Spartans had reached the Final Four the year before and lost. But the 1979 Tournament was different, the Spartans were better. Magic led his team against Larry Bird in the Championship game, Magic, who is later named the MVP. -
NBA Rookie Season
After winnning the NCAA title in 1979 back at Michigan State. Magic decided to enter the NBA draft, and come to find out he was drafted by his favorite time, the Los Angeles Lakers or otherwise known as "Showtime." He could not believe it, that he was playing along side "The Great One" or otherwise known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in 6 games. Magic Johnson was named the MVP. -
The 1981 Playoffs
After Magic suffered a injury early in the season, Magic was sidelined for torn cartilage in his knee. He missed 45 games. He then returned just in time for the 1981 Playoffs against the Houston Rockets only to lose in 5 games. Magic was very upset. -
1982 Championship Series
The Lakers reached the NBA Finals in the 1983 season. His major teammates Norm Nixon, James Worthy, and Bob McAdoo all hobbled with injuries. The Sixers swept the Lakers and Moses Malone was named MVP. -
1982-1983 Season
During the beginning of 1982-1983 season, Magic and head coach at the time Paul Westhead got into a huge media fight. Westhead calling the Lakers, "slow and predictable." This caused Magic to flip out on Westhead, and Owner of the Lakers, Jerry Buss took action and fired Westhead because he was a threat to Magic's ability and future. -
1983 Finals
The Lakers reached the NBA Finals for the third straight year. This time facing the Boston Celtics who faced eachother many times in the mid 1980's. Magic averaged a double-double at 17.6 points 13.1 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. The Celtics beat the Lakers in 7 games. -
1985 Finals
The Lakers and Celtics met again in the 1985 NBA Championships. Magic led the Lakers averaging 18.3 points, 14.0 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. Lakers ended up defeating the Celtics in six games. Magic and Abdul-Jabbar dubbed this win as the greatest in their careers. -
1987 Finals against Boston
The LA Lakers met the Boston Celtics again in the 1987 Finals. Magic led his team to another title after beating the Celtics in six games. Magic Johnson won the MVP award for the third time, averaging 26.2 points, 13.0 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 2.33 steals per game. -
1991 Season - The Bad News
Magic is required to take a sports physical for the team. He definitley passed the test, but his blood work was something else. He was called back into L.A. and was told that he has HIV and not the early signs of AIDS. He didn't play bery many games that season. -
1992 All-Star Game
Magio was selected as part of the 1992 All-Star team. He started the game, and was in the best shape of his life. He recorded 25 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. This earned him the MVP award. His last minute three-pointer allowed people to rush the court and congratulate him. -
1992 Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics rolled around and USA was stacked. They easily won the gold medal and the competition wasn't really there. Magic didn't play much due to knee problems but when he entered the game, he received standing ovations.