Magic Johnson has spent October 2026 doing what he does best – winning. As co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers he was celebrating another play-off run, and he is also a co-owner of the Washington Commanders. The smile, though, is the same one that lit up the Forum during the Showtime years.
Five NBA championships, three MVPs and the no-look pass turned into an art form: this is the story of the 6 ft 9 in point guard who changed basketball. Explore our Los Angeles Lakers collection for more purple and gold.
Magic Johnson Fact File
| Full name | Earvin Johnson Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 14 August 1959 (age 67) |
| Place of birth | Lansing, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Position | Point guard |
| Nationality | American |
| Status | Retired; businessman and sports team co-owner |
| Shirt number | 32 (Lakers), 33 (Michigan State) |
| Nickname | Magic |
Career History
| Years | Team | Games | Points | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–1979 | Michigan State (NCAA) | – | 17.1 per game | 7.9 per game |
| 1979–1991, 1996 | Los Angeles Lakers (regular season) | 906 | 17,707 | 10,141 |
| 1980–1996 | Los Angeles Lakers (play-offs) | 190 | – | 2,346 |
NBA figures are career totals with the Lakers; Michigan State figures are career averages. His 2,346 play-off assists remain an NBA record.
Early Years in Lansing
Earvin Johnson earned his nickname at 15, when a local sportswriter watched him put up 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists for Everett High School. He led Everett to the 1977 state title before staying home to play for Michigan State.
In 1979 he led the Spartans to the NCAA title, beating Larry Bird's Indiana State in the most-watched college game ever. The Lakers made him the No. 1 pick that summer.
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A Rookie at Centre
His first season ended with one of the great Finals performances. With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar injured, the rookie started Game 6 of the 1980 Finals at centre and produced 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to clinch the title in Philadelphia. He is still the only rookie to be named Finals MVP.
Showtime was born: fast breaks, no-look passes and a run of five championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.
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Magic v Bird
The college rivalry became the NBA's greatest. Boston beat the Lakers in seven games in 1984, but Magic got his revenge in 1985 and again in 1987, when his 'junior sky hook' won Game 4 in Boston.
He was named MVP three times, in 1987, 1989 and 1990, and picked for 12 All-Star Games.
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Retirement, Return and the Dream Team
On 7 November 1991 he stunned the sport by announcing he was HIV-positive and retiring immediately. Fans voted him into the 1992 All-Star Game anyway, and he won MVP. That summer he co-captained the Dream Team to Olympic gold in Barcelona.
He returned for 32 games in 1996 before retiring for good, and was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2002.
Honours
Team
- NBA champion (5): 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988
- NCAA champion (1979)
- Olympic gold medal, Barcelona 1992
Individual
- NBA MVP (3): 1987, 1989, 1990
- NBA Finals MVP (3): 1980, 1982, 1987
- 12-time All-Star; All-Star MVP 1990, 1992
- 9-time All-NBA First Team
- Naismith Hall of Fame (2002, and 2010 with the Dream Team)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2025)
Away From the Court
Johnson built a business empire through Magic Johnson Enterprises and has ownership stakes in the Dodgers, who won the World Series in 2020, 2024 and 2025, and the Washington Commanders. He founded the Magic Johnson Foundation in 1991.
FAQs
How old is Magic Johnson?
Magic Johnson was born on 14 August 1959, so he is 67.
Where was Magic Johnson born?
He was born in Lansing, Michigan, and played college basketball at Michigan State.
How tall is Magic Johnson?
He is 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) – extraordinarily tall for a point guard.
What teams did Magic Johnson play for?
He spent his whole NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers (1979–1991 and 1996), after two seasons at Michigan State.
How many rings does Magic Johnson have?
Five NBA championships: 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988, plus a 1979 NCAA title and 1992 Olympic gold.
Why did Magic Johnson play centre in the 1980 Finals?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was injured for Game 6, so the rookie moved to centre and scored 42 points to win the title.
Shop the Magic Johnson Collection
Showtime never goes out of style – here are our favourite Magic Johnson designs.
Browse the Los Angeles Lakers collection and our full basketball collection, or create your own custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Michael Jordan Career Story and Kobe Bryant Career Story.
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