There is no question that Magic Johnson is one of the most towering figures in the world of basketball. He has achieved a great deal of success both on and off the court, and he continues to be a major presence in the sport today. In this article, we will take a closer look at Magic Johnson’s career and his impact on the game of basketball.
Early Years
Magic Johnson was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1959. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, and he learned to defend himself at an early age. Johnson began playing basketball at the age of nine, and he quickly developed into a talented player. In high school, he led his team to two state championships, and he was named the national high school player of the year in 1977.
College Years
Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he became one of the most dominant players in college basketball. He led the Spartans to the NCAA championship in 1979, and he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Johnson also won the prestigious John Wooden Award, which is given to the nation’s top college basketball player.
Professional Career
Johnson was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, and he quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s top players. He won four championships with the Lakers in the 1980s, and he was named the league’s MVP three times. Johnson also played for the United States Olympic team in 1992, and he helped lead the team to a gold medal.
After Retiring
Johnson retired from basketball in 1991, but he remained involved in the sport as a commentator and businessman. He returned to the Lakers as president of basketball operations in 2000, and he helped rebuild the team into a championship contender. In 2008, Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, but he has since recovered and remains active in the world of basketball.
Magic Johnson is without question one of the most iconic figures in the history of basketball. He has achieved great success on the court, and he has also made a significant impact off the court.
Magic Johnson Height
Johnson height is 6’9″. He is one of the tallest players in the NBA, and his size has helped him become one of the most successful players in league history. There is no doubt that Johnson’s height has been a major factor in his success on the court.
Other NBA Players Who are Also Tall
There are a number of other NBA players who are also tall. Some of the most notable players include Shaquille O’Neal (7’1″), Dirk Nowitzki (7’0″), and Pau Gasol (7’0″). These players have all achieved great success in the NBA, and they continue to be major forces in the league today.
Tall NBA players often have an advantage on the court, as they can shoot over smaller defenders and grab rebounds in the paint. They also tend to be slower, which can make it difficult for them to keep up with quicker players.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Showdown
Before the 1987–88 NBA season, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird signed a contract to play against each other in a series of games called The Showdown.
The first game was at the Boston Garden on October 18, 1987. In front of a national TV audience, Bird outscored Johnson 34 to 22, but the Celtics lost 125-119.[78] The second game was in Indianapolis on November 8. Johnson outplayed Bird and led the Lakers to a 127-115 win. The third game was at the Forum on December 11, and it was marked by tight defense from both teams. The Celtics won 86-85 when Kevin McHale made a clutch shot with three seconds left.
The fourth game was in Los Angeles on December 15, and the Lakers cruised to a 128-118 victory. The fifth and final game was at Boston Garden on January 7, 1988. The Celtics won 117-114, with Bird scoring 34 points and Johnson 28. McHale led the Celtics with 36 points, and Michael Cooper led the Lakers with 27.[79]
The Showdown is generally considered to be one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were two of the most talented players in the NBA, and they had a genuine dislike for each other. The games were always close, and they are remembered for their intense competition and dramatic finishes.
