24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Magic Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, as president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, speaks during media day September 25, 2017, in El Segundo, California. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Lakers Legend, 5-time Champion, the GOAT point guard
- 5-time NBA champion
- 3-time NBA Most Valuable Player
- Member of the iconic 'Dream Team' at 1992 Olympics
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Magic Johnson revolutionised basketball with his unparalleled court vision, infectious charisma, and ability to elevate his teammates' play, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Overview
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. was a transformative figure in basketball history. Standing at 6'9" (2.06m), he redefined the point guard position with his extraordinary size, skill, and court vision. Magic's career with the Los Angeles Lakers spanned 13 seasons, during which he led the team to five NBA championships and established himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Career snapshot
Magic's professional journey began when the Lakers selected him as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft. From the outset, he demonstrated a unique ability to control the game's tempo and make those around him better. His rookie season culminated in an NBA championship, where he famously started at centre in place of an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Game 6 of the Finals, scoring 42 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists.
Throughout his career, Magic averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. He led the league in assists four times and was a 12-time All-Star. His battles with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics in the 1980s are the stuff of legend, helping to revitalise the NBA and elevate it to new heights of popularity.
Playing style
Magic's playing style was characterised by his exceptional court vision, creative passing, and ability to play multiple positions. His signature no-look passes and "Showtime" fast breaks became synonymous with Lakers basketball. Despite his size, Magic possessed the ball-handling skills of a much smaller player, allowing him to orchestrate the offense with unparalleled effectiveness.
Johnson's versatility was perhaps his greatest asset. He could score when needed, often using his size to post up smaller guards. His rebounding ability for a point guard was exceptional, frequently allowing him to grab a board and immediately initiate a fast break. This multifaceted skill set made him a triple-double threat every night.
Why Magic Johnson is on our list
Magic Johnson's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is indisputable. His impact on the game transcended statistics, though his numbers are undoubtedly impressive. Johnson's ability to control the game's pace, make split-second decisions, and elevate the play of his teammates set him apart from his peers.
His leadership and clutch performances in high-stakes situations were legendary. The 'junior skyhook' to win Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals against the Celtics stands out as one of the most iconic shots in basketball history. Moreover, Magic's rivalry with Larry Bird is credited with saving the NBA in the 1980s, bringing new fans to the sport and setting the stage for the league's explosive growth in the following decades.
Off the court, Johnson's charisma and infectious smile made him a global icon. His courage in publicly announcing his HIV diagnosis in 1991 and subsequent advocacy work have had a lasting impact beyond basketball.
Five Fast Facts
- Magic Johnson is the all-time leader in assists per game (11.2) in NBA history.
- He won the NBA Finals MVP award in his rookie season, a feat unmatched in league history.
- Johnson recorded 138 triple-doubles during his career, third-most in NBA history.
- He briefly coached the Lakers for 16 games during the 1993-94 season.
- Magic was part of the "Dream Team" that won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Career Highlights Timeline
1979: Drafted 1st overall by the Los Angeles Lakers
1980: Wins NBA championship and Finals MVP as a rookie
1982: Wins second NBA championship
1985: Wins third NBA championship
1987: Wins fourth NBA championship and league MVP
1988: Wins fifth NBA championship and league MVP
1989: Wins third league MVP award
1991: Announces HIV diagnosis and retires from NBA
1992: Wins Olympic gold medal as part of the "Dream Team"
1996: Briefly returns to Lakers for 32 games before retiring for good
Magic Johnson's impact on basketball is immeasurable. His unique blend of size, skill, and charisma revolutionised the point guard position and helped usher in a new era of NBA popularity. Johnson's legacy as one of the most dominant and influential players in league history is secure, inspiring generations of players who followed in his footsteps.
