Earvin “Magic” Johnson was born in Lansing, Michigan where he grew to love the sport of basketball. Johnson was first nicknamed “Magic” as a 15-year-old sophomore playing for Everett High School, when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Although he was recruited by several top-ranked colleges he decided to stay close to home and attended Michigan State University.

He was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Lakers where he played for 13 seasons. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he contracted HIV, but returned the following year for the All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. Throughout his basketball career, Johnson won three NBA MVP awards, made nine NBA Final appearances, and played in 12 All-Star games. He was also a part of “The Dream Team” which won the Olympic gold medal in 1992.

Johnson was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Fast forward to present day, Johnson is the current president of the Los Angeles Lakers and an advocate for HIV/AIDS preventions and safe sex. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster and motivational speak who continues to live up to his name as one of the greatest.