Born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, Magic Johnson‘s journey follows him from a high school basketball prodigy to a global icon.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. Often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Here we have Magic Johnson’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, achievements, personal details, and more.
About Magic Johnson
- Career Highlights: 3x NBA MVP, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 12x All-Star, 9x All-NBA First Team, 5x NBA Champion with Los Angeles Lakers
- Notable Achievements: All-time NBA leader in average assists per game; Olympic gold medalist with ‘The Dream Team’; Inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- Born: August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.
- Retirement and Advocacy: Retired in 1991 due to HIV diagnosis; advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex
- Post-Retirement Career: Successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, motivational speaker, and sports team owner
- Height and Position: 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), played as Point guard / Shooting guard
- College and Draft Information: Played for Michigan State (1977-1979), 1st overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers
Basketball Career
Johnson’s basketball career began to take shape at Everett High School in Lansing, where he earned his nickname “Magic” after a game where he recorded a triple-double. He played for Michigan State University, leading the team to an NCAA Championship in 1979 and earning the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
His college success paved the way for his selection as the first overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA Draft.
During his time with the Lakers, Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his exceptional height (6-foot-9), playmaking ability, and versatility. He led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and was named NBA Finals MVP three times.
Johnson was a 12-time All-Star and won three MVP awards (1987, 1989, 1990). His career was temporarily derailed in 1991 when he announced he had contracted HIV, leading to his early retirement. However, he briefly returned in the 1995-96 season before retiring for good.
Johnson’s impact on the game was immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Business Profile
Beyond basketball, Johnson is a highly successful businessman. He founded Magic Johnson Enterprises, which has been involved in numerous ventures, including movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and 24 Hour Fitness centers, primarily in underserved urban areas.
His investments have also extended to sports teams, owning stakes in the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles Football Club. In 2012, he became a part-owner of the Dodgers, and in 2023, he joined the ownership group of the Washington Commanders NFL team.
Magic Johnson Foundation
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. founded the Magic Johnson Foundation in 1991, focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, scholarship programs, and community empowerment centers.
The foundation has raised over $20 million for charity and awarded almost $4 million in scholarships. Johnson’s work in HIV/AIDS advocacy has been pivotal in changing public perceptions and increasing awareness about the disease.
Magic Johnson’s Net Worth Details
Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $1.2 billion as of 2025. Johnson’s business acumen has been recognized with his net worth, making him one of the few athletes to achieve billionaire status.
His investments in EquiTrust, a life insurance company, significantly contributed to his wealth, with the company being valued at $26 billion.
Magic Johnson’s career earnings from basketball laid the foundation for his financial success, but it is his savvy investing and entrepreneurial ventures that have truly catapulted him into the ranks of billionaire athletes, alongside Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods.
Career Earnings
During his illustrious NBA career, primarily with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson earned a total of approximately $39.3 million from his NBA contracts. This figure includes a notable 25-year, $25 million contract he signed, which at the time was groundbreaking in terms of its length and commitment.
In the 1994/95 season alone, Johnson’s salary was $14,660,000, which was a significant portion of his total NBA earnings. This salary was part of a comeback to the NBA.
| Year(s) | Event | Earnings/Salary |
| 1979 – Early 1990s | Signed a groundbreaking 25-year, $25 million contract with the Lakers | Part of $25 million |
| 1994/95 Season | Salary during comeback to the NBA | $14,660,000 |
| Total NBA Career | Approximate total earnings from NBA contracts | $39.3 million |
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Lansing, Michigan, USA |
| High School | Everett High School (Lansing, Michigan) |
| College | Michigan State University |
| NBA Draft | 1979, 1st overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers |
| NBA Championships | 5 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) |
| MVP Awards | 3 (1987, 1989, 1990) |
| All-Star Appearances | 12 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 1 (1992 with the “Dream Team”) |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
| Playing Weight | 215 pounds (98 kg) |
| Position | Point Guard |
| Parents | Earvin Johnson Sr. (Father), Christine Johnson (Mother) |
| Marital Status | Married to Earleatha “Cookie” Kelley (since September 1991) |
| Children | Earvin III (EJ), Andre (son from a previous relationship), Elisa (adopted) |
| Business Ventures | Magic Johnson Enterprises, former ownership stakes in LA Lakers, LA Dodgers |
| Philanthropy | Magic Johnson Foundation |
| Net Worth | $1.2 billion |
Wife
Johnson’s lovely wife is Cookie Johnson. Here’s a brief profile about her.
- Full Name: Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly Johnson
- Birth Date: January 20, 1959
- Birth Place: Huntsville, Alabama, USA
- Early Life: Cookie was born as Earleatha Kelly in Huntsville, Alabama, and is the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. Her family moved to Michigan when she was 6 years old, and she considers Detroit her home, though she acknowledges Huntsville as where her roots are.
- Education: Cookie met Magic Johnson at Michigan State University in the late 1970s. She was previously a college basketball player and graduated from Michigan State University in 1981.
- Marriage to Magic Johnson: Cookie and Magic Johnson were married on September 14, 1991, at the First AME Church in Los Angeles. Their relationship began in college and, despite several breakups and reconciliations, culminated in a long-lasting marriage. They celebrated their 32nd anniversary in 2023.
- Children: Cookie and Magic Johnson have two children together, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III, born in 1992, and Elisa Johnson, adopted in 1994. Cookie is also the stepmother to Magic’s oldest child, Andre Johnson, from a previous relationship.
Age
Born on August 14, 1959, he is 64 years old.
Height
He is 6 ft 9 inches tall.
NBA Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 19.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game (RPG) | 7.2 |
| Assists Per Game (APG) | 11.2 |
| Field Goal Percentage (FG%) | 52.0% |
| 3-Point Percentage (3P%) | 30.3% |
| Free Throw Percentage (FT%) | 84.8% |
| Steals Per Game (SPG) | 1.9 |
| Blocks Per Game (BPG) | 0.4 |
| Turnovers Per Game (TPG) | 3.9 |
| Games Played (GP) | 906 |
| Minutes Per Game (MPG) | 36.7 |
FAQs
Who is Magic Johnson?
Magic Johnson is a retired professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever.
When and where was Magic Johnson born?
Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
What made Magic Johnson a high school basketball prodigy?
Magic Johnson stood out in high school for his exceptional basketball skills, height, athleticism, court vision, and leadership qualities.
Which high school did Magic Johnson attend?
Magic Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing, Michigan, where he gained national attention for his basketball prowess.
What were some of Magic Johnson’s achievements in high school basketball?
Magic Johnson led his high school team to the Michigan state championship and was named a McDonald’s All-American.
When did Magic Johnson enter the NBA?
Magic Johnson entered the NBA in 1979 after being selected first overall in the NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
What were some highlights of Magic Johnson’s NBA career?
Magic Johnson won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and earned three NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards during his career.
How did Magic Johnson become a global icon?
Magic Johnson’s charisma, skill, and personality made him a beloved figure in the United States and internationally. His style of play and positive impact off the court contributed to his global popularity.
What did Magic Johnson do after retiring from basketball?
After retiring from professional basketball, Magic Johnson pursued business ventures, including becoming a successful entrepreneur and owning stakes in sports teams.
What is Magic Johnson’s legacy in basketball and beyond?
Magic Johnson’s legacy includes his impact as a versatile and dominant basketball player, his contributions to HIV/AIDS awareness, and his philanthropy. He continues to be an influential figure in sports and business.
