In 1979, the NBA fanbase saw the game being played in a way never seen before. Earvin Johnson a renowned player of the Los Angeles Lakers, showed off his basketball skill for 12 years. Known for having high numbers in assists, Earvin Johnson, also known as “Magic”, had the ability to see where everyone was on the court, and make unexpected passes. Aside from his basketball career, Magic became a huge advocate of AIDS and HIV awareness, while also writing a book about safe sex. Throughout the course of Magic’s life he worked as a player, businessman, and in the fight against AIDS and HIV. To begin with, Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan. Magic was the fourth of seven children to Earvin and Christine Johnson.
…show more content…
“In his 13 NBA seasons Johnson compiled 17,707 points (19.5 ppg), 6,559 rebounds (7.2 rpg) and 10,141 assists (11.2 apg) in addition to 1,724 steals, good for ninth place on the all-time list. He also holds the top marks for most All-Star Game assists (127) and three-point baskets(10) ().” Magic was a 6’9” guard, weighing 231 pounds which made him on the tallest guards in the NBA. Magic not only made history with his basketball skill, he made it with his contract with the NBA. “Earvin (Magic) Johnson has signed a 25-year contract for $1 million a year, starting in 1984 ().” “This contract, which runs through the year 2009, is apparently the richest and longest in sports ().” Magic was the third player in the NBA to earn one million dollars per year. Mostly known for his flashy assists, in which he averaged almost 12 assists per game his whole career. “He surpassed Robertson’s career assists record ().” Magic was a respectable player having the skill that got him many rings and winning many championships. “He was the member of five championship teams. He won the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) and the Finals MVP award three times each. He was a 12 time All-Star and a nine time member of the All-NBA First Team ().” However, in 1991, just about to start his season, Magic testing positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. “ Before the 1991-92 campaign Johnson stunned the world with the announcement that he had tested positive for the HIV virus and was retiring from the NBA. He made a triumphant appearance at the All-Star Game that season, however, earning the game's MVP Award and leading the West to a 153-113 victory ().” Although having to retire, Magic’s stats from his prior seasons, showed off his ability as a
“In his 13 NBA seasons Johnson compiled 17,707 points (19.5 ppg), 6,559 rebounds (7.2 rpg) and 10,141 assists (11.2 apg) in addition to 1,724 steals, good for ninth place on the all-time list. He also holds the top marks for most All-Star Game assists (127) and three-point baskets(10) ().” Magic was a 6’9” guard, weighing 231 pounds which made him on the tallest guards in the NBA. Magic not only made history with his basketball skill, he made it with his contract with the NBA. “Earvin (Magic) Johnson has signed a 25-year contract for $1 million a year, starting in 1984 ().” “This contract, which runs through the year 2009, is apparently the richest and longest in sports ().” Magic was the third player in the NBA to earn one million dollars per year. Mostly known for his flashy assists, in which he averaged almost 12 assists per game his whole career. “He surpassed Robertson’s career assists record ().” Magic was a respectable player having the skill that got him many rings and winning many championships. “He was the member of five championship teams. He won the Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) and the Finals MVP award three times each. He was a 12 time All-Star and a nine time member of the All-NBA First Team ().” However, in 1991, just about to start his season, Magic testing positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. “ Before the 1991-92 campaign Johnson stunned the world with the announcement that he had tested positive for the HIV virus and was retiring from the NBA. He made a triumphant appearance at the All-Star Game that season, however, earning the game's MVP Award and leading the West to a 153-113 victory ().” Although having to retire, Magic’s stats from his prior seasons, showed off his ability as a