Magic Johnson biography, married, wife, earlitha kelly, stats, injury, salary, contract, fangraphs, hiv, aids, net worth

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<h2>Early Life and Family Background</h2>
<p>Magic Johnson, born <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">Earvin Johnson Jr.</a> on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is one of the most iconic figures in sports history. He is the son of Christine Johnson, a school custodian, and <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">Earvin Johnson Sr.</a>, who worked at a General Motors plant. Raised in a large, hardworking family with nine siblings, Johnson was instilled with strong values and a dedicated work ethic from an early age.</p>

<h2>High School Basketball and the Birth of "Magic"</h2>
<p>Johnson attended Everett High School, where his passion for basketball flourished. He practiced the sport daily and quickly established himself as a standout player. His nickname "Magic" was coined after a remarkable performance in which he recorded 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists in a single game. This early display of talent hinted at the greatness to come.</p>

<h2>Collegiate Success at Michigan State University</h2>
<p>Following high school, Johnson enrolled at Michigan State University. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, his height and skills provided a significant advantage on the court. In his freshman year, he led the Spartans to a Big Ten Conference title. His sophomore year saw a historic NCAA Championship showdown against Indiana State University, featuring a highly publicized face-off with <a href="/biography/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a>. Johnson's team emerged victorious in what became a classic game in college basketball history.</p>

<h2>NBA Career with the Los Angeles Lakers</h2>
<p>In 1979, Johnson began his professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers, signing a lucrative contract. He made an immediate impact, leading the team to a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals and earning the NBA Finals MVP Award. He continued to be an instrumental figure in the Lakers’ success, helping the team clinch another championship against the 76ers in the 1981–82 season, where he again earned Finals MVP honors. Although the 76ers reclaimed the title in the 1982–83 season, Johnson’s legacy continued to grow.</p>

<p>In the mid-1980s, he reignited his rivalry with <a href="/biography/larry-bird">Larry Bird</a>, this time on the NBA stage. The Boston Celtics defeated the Lakers in the 1984 Finals, but the Lakers bounced back to win in 1985. The rivalry continued to define the era. In the 1987 Finals, the Lakers once again triumphed over the Celtics, and Johnson received his third NBA Finals MVP award. Despite his success, challenges followed, including a hamstring injury that affected his 1989 season.</p>

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<h2>HIV Diagnosis and Advocacy Work</h2>
<p>In 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly. The couple has three children: Andre Johnson, Elisa Johnson, and <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">Earvin Johnson III</a>. That same year, Johnson publicly announced he was HIV-positive and immediately retired from the NBA. The diagnosis, resulting from unprotected sexual activity, came at a particularly difficult time, as his wife was pregnant. Fortunately, both his wife and child tested negative for HIV.</p>

<p>Johnson faced widespread public reaction, both critical and supportive, and responded by championing awareness for HIV/AIDS. He established the Magic Johnson Foundation, which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and education. His efforts in HIV advocacy have had a lasting impact beyond the basketball court.</p>

<h2>Support for the LGBTQ Community</h2>
<p>Magic Johnson has been a vocal <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">supporter</a> of the LGBTQ community, particularly due to his son, <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">Earvin Johnson III</a> (commonly known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EJ_Johnson">EJ Johnson</a>). <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EJ_Johnson">EJ</a> has openly shared his identity, and Magic has publicly expressed his support and encouragement, becoming a role model for parental acceptance and advocacy in the LGBTQ space.</p>

<h2>Business Ventures and Return to Basketball</h2>
<p>After retiring from basketball, Johnson transitioned into a successful business career. With a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, he built a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, multiple Starbucks franchises, and a chain of movie theaters. He is also an accomplished <a href="/biography/magic-johnson">author</a>, having written books such as <em>What You Can Do to Avoid AIDS</em> to educate the public about HIV prevention.</p>

<p>In 1992, Johnson briefly returned to professional play as part of the U.S. "Dream Team" in the Barcelona Summer Olympics, where the team secured a gold medal. Though he explored returning to the NBA, he decided against it due to limited support from fellow players.</p>

<p>Later, he took on leadership roles within the NBA, including serving as President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, further cementing his legacy not just as a player, but as a transformative figure in basketball and business alike.</p>

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