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Johnson stated that his aim was to "help educate all people about what [HIV] is about" and teach others not to "discriminate against people who have HIV and AIDS". Sam, Spike and Chuck Return for More Capital One March Madness The Power of Magic In the decisive Game 7 in Boston, as the Lakers trailed by three points in the final minute, opposing point guard Dennis Johnson stole the ball from Johnson, a play that effectively ended the series. [133] Nick Van Exel received a seven-game suspension for bumping referee Ron Garretson during a game on April 9. [44] The Lakers again reached the Finals, and for a third time faced the Sixers, who featured center Moses Malone as well as Erving. [121][122], Johnson returned to the NBA as coach of the Lakers near the end of the 199394 NBA season, replacing Randy Pfund, and Bill Bertka, who served as an interim coach for two games. "[33][128], Determined to play competitive basketball despite being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team composed of former NBA and college players. [4] Several of his achievements in individual games have also been named among the top moments in the NBA. Eventually, Johnson accepted his situation and the small group of black students looked to him as their leader. 10. Still a commanding presence in popular culture, Johnson made history in 2012 when he became co-owner of MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers. The 1986 commercial shows Magic rolling up in a limo and Larry was waiting in knee-high socks, short shorts, and new . Johnson delivers a passionate message about his life story and everyone can make a difference their own community. [115][117] Johnson played infrequently because of knee problems,[118] but he received standing ovations from the crowd, and used the opportunity to inspire HIV-positive people. [3][55][56] He also became one of four players to win NCAA and NBA championships in consecutive years. [227] Johnson was later criticized by the AIDS community for his decreased involvement in publicizing the spread of the disease. [175], Johnson had an extremely close relationship with Lakers owner Jerry Buss, whom he saw as a mentor and a father figure. [78] Johnson later described the series as "the one championship we should have had but didn't get". [18] As such, in 2014, Johnson was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25. He nearly got into a fight with another player before head coach George Fox intervened. Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson: How Their Bitter Rivalry Turned Into A In the final game of the CBA series, Johnson had 30 points, 17 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading the All-Stars to a 126121 victory over the Oklahoma City Cavalry. Let's leave it at that. Double your traffic. [13][169] The couple adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995. [223] In 2015, he once again endorsed Hillary Clinton in her second presidential campaign. 4.05. [153] He is the only player to average 12 assists in an NBA Finals series, achieving it six times. The rivalry with Larry Bird, another NBA superstar, began in college. [80] After the Lakers defeated the Celtics in six games, Abdul-Jabbar and Johnson, who averaged 18.3points on .494shooting, 14.0assists, and 6.8rebounds per game in the championship series,[81][82] said the Finals win was the highlight of their careers. This is the untold truth of Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. . 1,006 ratings37 reviews. EXCLUSIVE: Magic Johnson Partners With CBD and Hemp Brand - Yahoo! Speaking to media just hours after Buss had died, Johnson was emotional, saying, "Without Dr. Jerry Buss, there is no Magic. According to the Basketball Network, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird came together in 1986 to film a commercial for Converse. Well, the 2010 NBA Finals are here, and it's time to treat you to a 1986 commercial for Converse shoes featuring two of the NBA's greats of the decade: Larry. [67] Despite his off-court troubles, Johnson averaged 18.6points, 9.6rebounds, 9.5assists, and a league-high 2.7steals per game, and was voted a member of the All-NBA Second Team. Magic Johnson Joined by Son EJ for Premiere of New Apple - Peoplemag After winning a national championship with Michigan State in 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five NBA championships during their Showtime era. The franchise reached an agreement with free agent LeBron James on a four-year contract in 2018, but efforts to trade for Anthony Davis during the 201819 season proved unsuccessful. Magic Johnson: Dr. Fauci helped me overcome HIV - Yahoo! News [28] In 1985, Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", a yearly charity event which included a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner. "I think D'Angelo has really grown and matured," Johnson said . [33] Johnson dedicated the championship victory to his best friend Reggie Chastine, who was killed in a car accident the previous summer. WATCH: The sneaker commercial that made Magic and Bird friends Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has become a living testament to advances in medicine that have turned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a . Sign up to track 37 nationally aired TV ad campaigns for Magic Johnson. He also has a son, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship. Larry Bird and the Rise and Fall of Converse - Basketball Noise Magic Johnson and Larry Bird met for the first time in the NCAA national championship. [187] In 2006, Johnson created a contract food service with Sodexo USA called Sodexo-Magic. Other Facts: 9. [215] The temporary name was Los Angeles Football Club,[216] which later became permanent in 2015. [74] Johnson averaged another double-double season, with 17.6points, 13.1assists, and 7.3rebounds per game. Nov 4, 2021 at 12:46 pm ET 1 min read. Johnson and his wife, Cookie, also have a daughter named Elisa, whom they adopted in 1995. [19] During Johnson's ownership of these teams, the Sparks won the 2016 WNBA championship, the Dodgers won the 2020 World Series, and LAFC won the 2022 MLS Cup. [124] Stating that it was never his dream to coach, he chose instead to purchase a 5% share of the team in June 1994. But being bused to Everett turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. He insisted that his health was not an issue, while downplaying questions about returning as a player, saying, "I'm retired. The Lakers took a 32lead in the series, but Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 33points a game in the series,[53] sprained his ankle in Game 5 and could not play in Game 6. The Pixel 6 offers the capability to eliminate photobomb fans quickly with the touch of a finger -- even Magic Johnson thinks it's absolute magic. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson spent years competing against each other and being compared to each other. And the first few months, I was miserable at Everett. Johnson did join the basketball team but became angry after several days when his new teammates ignored him during practice, not even passing the ball to him. [91] Johnson and Thomas greeted each other with a kiss on the cheek before the opening tip of Game 1, which they called a display of brotherly love. [183] He has also worked as a motivational speaker,[15] and was an NBA commentator for Turner Network Television for seven years,[184] before becoming a studio analyst for ESPN's NBA Countdown in 2008. [177], In 1997, his production company Magic Johnson Entertainment signed a deal with Fox. [207] In March 2012, Johnson's ownership group was announced as the winner of the proceedings to buy the Dodgers. They Call Me Magic - Apple TV+ Press About Starbucks Corporation Combining his playing career and sports ownership career, Johnson has 10 NBA championships, five each as a player and later as a minority owner of the Lakers. [16] Named by Ebony magazine as one of America's most influential black businessmen in 2009,[17] Johnson has numerous business interests, and was a part-owner of the Lakers for several years, as well as being the team's president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019. Johnson's son Earvin III was born in 1992. The Lakers did not reach the playoffs during Johnson's executive tenure. [13] In 1991, Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in a small wedding in Lansing which included guests Thomas, Aguirre, and Herb Williams. "We think there is a lot of fun to be had with the Barkleylounger," he says. [177] Johnson credits Buss with giving him the business knowledge that enabled him to become part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson recently revealed plans for a documentary on his life to be released. [43] After two years in college, during which he averaged 17.1points, 7.6rebounds, and 7.9assists per game, Johnson entered the 1979 NBA draft. Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 - YouTube Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 101,222 views May 22, 2016 This is an old commercial I shot with Magic Johnson for Quality Dairy back in 1980. so. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. [171][172], Johnson is a Christian[173] and has said his faith is "the most important thing" in his life. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. [179] In 1998, Johnson hosted a late night talk show on the Fox network called The Magic Hour, but the show was canceled after two months because of low ratings. [193][194] He has also made investments in urban real estate through the Canyon-Johnson and Yucaipa-Johnson funds. [36] Johnson, who finished his high school career with two All-State selections, was considered at the time to be the best high school player ever to come out of Michigan[34] and was also named to the 1977 McDonald's All-American team. [3][4][5][6] Johnson played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). [200] Johnson sold his ownership stake in the Lakers in October 2010 to Patrick Soon-Shiong, a Los Angeles surgeon and professor at UCLA,[201] but continued as an unpaid vice president for the team. [227] In 1992, he joined the National Commission on AIDS, a committee appointed by members of Congress and the Bush Administration. Magic Johnson Development Corporation, which develops commercial property in long neglected . Magic Johnson: My Life. [44] However, the Lakers bowed out to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, which was the Lakers' earliest playoffs elimination in nine years. Magic Johnson Fast Facts | CNN He also missed several games due to a calf injury. [112] The game ended after he made a last-minute three-pointer, and players from both teams ran onto the court to congratulate Johnson. Magic Johnson's Son EJ Flaunts Curves and Strong Legs in a - AmoMama LOS ANGELES, CA Magic Johnson and health insurance giant Cigna have teamed up to fight health disparities in POC communities within Los Angeles. [26] He also idolized players such as Earl Monroe and Marques Haynes,[27] and practiced "all day". Converse Commercial (1986) with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson [95] It was the fifth and final NBA championship of his career. The former athlete,. With help from the HBO . Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. By the time he had reached the eighth grade, Johnson had begun to think about a future in basketball. Magic was the fourth of seven children Earvin Sr. and Christine had together. [168] Johnson and Cookie have one son, Earvin III ("EJ"), who is openly gay and a star on the reality show Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. . The game was played at a gym inside Fort McNair, and reporters covering the president were not allowed to enter. [11] His friendship and rivalry with Boston Celtics star Larry Bird, whom he faced in the 1979 NCAA finals and three NBA championship series, are well documented. [107] At the time, only a small percentage of HIV-positive American men had contracted it from heterosexual sex,[92][108] and it was initially rumored that Johnson was gay or bisexual, although he denied both. 'Winning Time' HBO: Magic Johnson, Nike and Phil - Los Angeles Times Magic Johnson wanted to hit Howard Stern after radio host in 1998 said Magic Johnson "[128] While Johnson played well in 1996, there were struggles both on and off the court. [28] After the game, Fred Stabley Jr., a sports writer for the Lansing State Journal, gave him the moniker[32] despite the belief of Johnson's mother, a devout Christian, that the name was sacrilegious. The pair launched an initiative to support minority and female-owned businesses, by providing customized health care plans for issues that disproportionately affect people of color. [75] The Lakers won the first game, and led by two points in Game 2 with 18seconds to go, but after a layup by Gerald Henderson, Johnson failed to get a shot off before the final buzzer sounded, and the Lakers lost 124121 in overtime. [15] His public announcement of his HIV-positive status helped dispel the stereotype, still widely held at the time, that HIV was a "gay disease" that heterosexuals need not worry about; his bravery in making this announcement was widely commended. We give our clients and partners the edge needed to effectively capitalize on the growing purchasing power and value of multicultural communities. "[119] Johnson said that despite the physical, highly competitive practices and scrimmages leading up to the 1992 Olympics, some of those same teammates still expressed concerns about his return to the NBA. [148][149] Johnson appeared at Bird's retirement ceremony in 1992, and described Bird as a "friend forever";[113] during Johnson's Hall of Fame ceremony, Bird formally inducted his old rival. [128] A few days later, Johnson changed his mind and retired permanently, saying, "I am going out on my terms, something I couldn't say when I aborted a comeback in 1992. "In the. MBA CREF 2022: Magic Johnson Building Real Estate - Commercial Observer [51], The Lakers compiled a 6022record in the regular season and reached the 1980 NBA Finals,[52] in which they faced the Philadelphia 76ers, who were led by forward Julius Erving. Capital One TV Spot, 'It's Like Magic' Featuring Charles Barkley [28] The Spartans reached the Elite Eight, but lost narrowly to eventual national champion Kentucky. Magic Johnson on Learning to Accept His Gay Son EJ: 'He Changed Me' Magic Johnson Commercial 1980 1 - YouTube In 1992, Buss had given Johnson a contract that paid him $14 million a year, as payback for all the years he was not the league's highest-paid player. From Magic Johnson Theaters and Starbucks to Simply Healthcare and The Dodgers, MJE is a measurable success factor in achieving significant return on investment. He ultimately decided to attend Michigan State when coach Jud Heathcote told him he could play the point guard position. "I always said Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are the two most important people in NBA history," Barkley said. Magic And Bird: A Rivalry Gives Way To Friendship : NPR "[134] Johnson was himself suspended five days later, when he bumped referee Scott Foster, missing three games. That initial battle was an appetizer for the decade that followed as the pair became two of the greatest basketball players in NBA history who developed a fierce personal rivalry during the 1980s that included three meetings in the NBA Finals. ", "NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Assists Per Game", "NBA & ABA Career Playoff Leaders and Records for Assists Per Game", "NBA & ABA Career Playoff Leaders and Records for Assists", "Magic Johnson Says It Breaks His Heart That Kobe Bryant Won't Be At Hall Of Fame Ceremony", "Magic Johnson's HIV activism hasn't slowed 22 years after historic announcement", "7: Magic Johnson announces he's HIV-positive", "Magic Touch: Magic Johnson's Fast Break Into Business", "Magic Johnson and other Dodgers owners purchase the Sparks", "Magic Johnson now has championship rings in the NBA, MLB and WNBA", "Rebounding from basketball court to boardroom", "Detroit Board's Busing Decision Termed 'Unwise', "State Basketball Championships Are Now History", "Everett High School - Archives Yearbook (Lansing, MI), Class of 1977", "Consensus All-America Teams (196970 to 197879)", "Magic Johnson Returns To The Breslin Center", "Rookie Makes the Lakers Believe in Magic", "The Extra Pass: Talking "Showtime" Lakers with author Jeff Pearlman", "NBA's Greatest Moments: Magic Fills in at Center", "Sports of The Times; Magic Johnson's Legacy", "Johnson rubs LA's Magic lantern for 25 million bucks", "Seven Ways to Compute the Relative Value of a U.S. Dollar Amount 1790 to Present", "Moses Helps Dr. J, Sixers Reach Promised Land", "Ticker: Jerry West still fielding Magic Johnson-Norm Nixon questions", "Celtics Win First BirdMagic Finals Showdown", "Isiah blasts Magic Johnson over criticisms in forthcoming book", "Kareem, Lakers Conquer the Celtic Mystique", "Waiting Game Ends for Impatient Pistons", "Johnson Not Ready To Pass Mantle; For 9th Time, Lakers Show Magic Touch", "Bulls Finally Get That Championship Feeling", "Still stunning the world 10 years later", "Knee injury knocks Magic out of Dream Team lineup against Germany", "Magic Johnson wishes he hadn't retired so early (Video)", "Magic Johnson's Gala Midsummer Night Magic Gets $1.3 Mil for UNCF", "Game worn Shaquille O'Neal jersey from "A Midsummer Night's Magic" charity game", "Pro Basketball; Los Angeles Lakers Hire Magic Johnson To Be Head Coach", "199394 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results", "Johnson gets win in first game as coach", "199394 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats", "Pro Basketball; Leaving on His Terms, Johnson Retires Again", "Hitting Referee Costs Van Exel $187,000", "Magic Raises Questions About Laker Confusion", "Outside the Lines: Magic 10 Years Later, and Limits of Loyalty", "Men's Basketball Opens Exhibition Season Against Magic Johnson All-Stars", "Memory Lane: Magic records triple-double in exhibition win vs. Mich. St", "Historias nrdicas: Magic Johnson, el vikingo", "Book review: When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson", "HBO Documentary Revisits Magic JohnsonLarry Bird Rivalry That Saved Basketball", "All-Time Playoffs Individual Career Leaders", "Top N. American athletes of the century", "Jordan to Bird: Top 10 moments in NBA All-Star history", "Larry Bird and Magic Johnson Receive NBA Lifetime Achievement Award", "Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak, exec Jim Buss relieved of duties as Magic Johnson takes over basketball operations", "Magic Johnson abruptly resigns as Lakers' president", "Magic Johnson steps down as Lakers' president of basketball operations", "Magic Johnson: Los Angeles Lakers legend resigns", "Earvin Johnson III, Magic Johnson's Gay Son, Goes Public With Boyfriend, Parents Very Proud (Video)", "Magic Johnson's House in Southern California", "Hot property: For Magic Johnson, Dana Point vacation home's a slam dunk", "Magic Johnson on Jeremy Lin: 'God is Good', "Magic Johnson Testifies His Christian Faith in God at Connecticut Huskies vs. Michigan State Spartans NCAA's March Madness 2014 Game", "Magic Johnson, NBA all-stars join Obama, play hoops for troops", "Report: Johnson to became part owner of Lakers", "To Magic Johnson, Jerry Buss was friend, mentor and 'second father', "Magic says Buss made him the man he is today", "Magic Johnson Gives His Label an Assist", "Sports Briefing Pro Basketball; Magic Johnson Signs With ESPN", "Magic Johnson joins ESPN, ABC as NBA studio analyst", "Magic Johnson on his growing foodservice business", "Former Magic Johnson Theaters reopens as Rave Cinemas", "Starbucks Acquires Remaining Interest in Magic Johnson Enterprises' Urban Coffee Opportunities (UCO)", "Magic Johnson sells his 105 Starbucks franchises", "Magic Johnson wows the crowd and talks minority-owned businesses", "Magic Johnson Says He Wouldn't Have Joined Bird After LeBron James's Move", "Bank On Condos: NBA Great In $71M Tower Deal", "Manhattan-style condos come to Fort Greene", "Magic Johnson buys into D.C.-area Pepsi bottling operation", "Magic Johnson Becomes Part Owner of Lakers", "Magic Johnson would be interested in buying Clippers, source says", "Magic Johnson reportedly interested in buying Clippers, NBA plans Tuesday press conference on Donald Sterling investigation", "Magic Johnson buys life insurance company", "Wizards, Warriors, and Magic: A Strategic Partnership", "Magic Johnson leads dream team bidding for Dodgers", "Magic Johnson-led group is picked as Dodgers' next owner", "From bankruptcy to a World Series title: Dodgers' ascension is Magic", "New Dragons owners say they won't mess with success", "Capital Buzz: D.C. businessman buying Dayton baseball team", "Magic Johnson, 55, Los Angeles Sparks Co-Owner", "Sparks defeat Lynx for first WNBA championship since 2002", "Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm among owners of new L.A. pro soccer team", "MLS Wants Fans' Help To Pick Team Name, Logo For New 'LA Football Club', "LA's MLS expansion team announces official club name: Los Angeles Football Club", "Justin Bieber, Magic Johnson, Will Ferrell among many stars at MLS Cup 2022", "Magic Johnson backs Angelides for Governor", "Magic Johnson, Bill Clinton team up for Hillary", "Magic Johnson Backing Barbara Boxer for US Senate", "Magic Johnson Endorses President Barack Obama", "Magic Johnson endorses Wendy Greuel for L.A. mayor", "I feel @HillaryClinton will be a great President for the American people and she will make sure that everyone has a voice! Johnson's autobiography is Johnson, Earvin (1992). The majority of NBA fans consider Jordan to be the best ever, with Magic being the best point guard ever. Magic Johnson, who has spearheaded developments in underserved urban communities in the decades since his ending his legendary NBA career, is pushing for more investments from commercial real estate into initiatives that benefit minority areas. "[36] Johnson and Chastine were almost always together, playing basketball or riding around in Chastine's car. [221] In 2012, he endorsed Barack Obama for president. Magic Johnson Celebrates Son EJ's 30th Birthday: 'So Honored' - Peoplemag [129], After the Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs,[136] Johnson initially expressed a desire to return to the team for the 199697 NBA season, but he also talked about joining another team as a free agent, hoping to see more playing time at point guard instead of power forward. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Truly Despised Each Other and It All [141][142] Johnson also became a co-owner of the club;[143] however, the project failed after one season and the club was forced into reconstruction. 1979 NCAA Championship Game. Published March 15, 2021 Advertiser Johnson averaged 8.0 points per game during the Olympics, and his 5.5 assists per game was second on the team. [163], On February 21, 2017, Johnson replaced Jim Buss as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson's Friendship With Larry Bird Explained - Grunge.com Although Andre was raised by his mother, he visited Johnson each summer, and later worked for Magic Johnson Enterprises as a marketing director. "Obviously, my family's always been in the spotlight," EJ told Out in 2014. Magic Johnson: D'Angelo Russell Has 'Really Grown and Matured' Since [165][166][167], Johnson first fathered a son in 1981, when Andre Johnson was born to Melissa Mitchell. Senate. [75] In Game 3, Johnson responded with 21assists in a 137104 win, but he made several crucial errors late in the contest during Game 4. [44][130] The Lakers had a record of 2210 in the games Johnson played, and he considered his final comeback "a success. "A Midsummer Night's Magic" eventually came under the umbrella of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which he founded in 1991. Nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals . Playing in front of a sold-out arena, Johnson had a triple-double and played the entire game, but his all-star team lost to the Spartans by two points. [129] Playing power forward, he averaged 14.6points, 6.9assists, and 5.7rebounds per game in 32games, and finished tied for 12th place with Charles Barkley in voting for the MVP Award. Payment | Shipping | Additional Information | Policies MAGIC JOHNSON COMMERCIAL POSTER The Magic Show LAKERS 22x24 Inch Starline 1988 Album Welcome to the auction of a absolute.from 381876351 Magic Johnson's Son Andre and Grandson Avery Watch Sun Set on - AmoMama The NBA-centered drama series follows the rise of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. [7][8] He also holds the record for most career assists in the playoffs. Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex,[12] as well as an entrepreneur,[13] philanthropist,[14] broadcaster and motivational speaker. Learn more at www.magicjohnsonenterprises.com. Magic Johnson [174], In 2010, Johnson and current and former NBA players such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Bill Russell, as well as Maya Moore from the WNBA, played a basketball game with President Barack Obama as an exhibition for a group of military troops who had been injured in action. [28] Johnson came from an athletic family. [138][139] On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State. [36] He officially returned to the team on January 29, 1996,[128] and played his first game the following day against the Golden State Warriors. Magic Johnson reveals his son EJ's coming out - New York Post [114] The Dream Team, which along with Johnson included fellow Hall of Famers such as Bird, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley, was considered unbeatable. During his seventh season in the NBA, he had a meeting with Michael Ovitz, CEO of Creative Artists Agency. [191], Johnson began thinking of life after basketball while still playing with the Lakers. [154], Johnson was exceptional because he played point guard despite being 6ft 9in (2.06m), a size reserved normally for frontcourt players. [154] He holds the All-Star Game single-game record for assists (22), and the All-Star Game record for career assists (127). Fantasy owner Saul Zaentz would further embark upon a career as a film . However, after Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Game 2, the Lakers were no match for the Pistons, who swept them 40. Google Pixel 6 TV Spot, 'For All the Fans: NBA Playoffs' Featuring Real-Time Video Ad Creative Assessment While Charles Barkley, Samuel L. Jackson and Magic Johnson ready themselves for the Final Four of March Madness, Barkley shares that he got four percent cash back on his tickets via the Capital One Savor card. They're Midwesterners, they were bigger players who handled the ball skillfully and they thought about their teammates' success. [157] The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2002. Earvin "Magic" Johnson is the only NBA rookie to date to receive the Finals MVP Award. Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959) is an American former professional basketball player. Larry Bird - Wikipedia The series started poorly for the Lakers when they allowed an NBA Finals record 148points to the Celtics in a 34-point loss in Game 1.