Magic Johnson: Basketball Star & Entrepreneur potx

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by
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R
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Content Consultant: Juan Javier Pescador
Professor of History, Michigan State University
LW
Basketball Star & Entrepreneur
p
By J Chris Roselius
Published by ABDO Publishing Company, 8000 West 78th Street, Edina,
Minnesota 55439. Copyright © 2011 by Abdo Consulting Group, Inc.
International copyrights reserved in all countries. No part of this book may
be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
SportsZone™ is a trademark and logo of ABDO Publishing Company.
Printed in the United States of America,
North Mankato, Minnesota
112010
012011
Editor: Matt Tustison
Copy Editor: Paula Lewis
Series Design: Christa Schneider

Cover Production: Christa Schneider
Interior Production: Christa Schneider
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Roselius, J Chris.
Magic Johnson : basketball star and entrepreneur / by J Chris Roselius.
p. cm. — (Legendary athletes)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-61714-756-2
1. Johnson, Earvin, 1959—-Juvenile literature. 2. Basketball players—
United States—Biography—Juvenile literature. 3. African American
basketball players—Biography—Juvenile literature. 4. Businessmen—
United States—Biography—Juvenile literature. 5. African American
businesspeople—Biography—Juvenile literature. I. Title.
GV884.J63R67 2011
796.323092—dc22
[B]
2010046696
LV
W
CHAPTER 1 A Legend Is Born 6
CHAPTER 2 Growing Up 14
CHAPTER 3 Michigan State Welcomes
the Magic Show 24
CHAPTER 4 The Beginning of Showtime 32
CHAPTER 5 A Magical MVP 44
CHAPTER 6 A Stunning Announcement 56
CHAPTER 7 A Spokesman and a Dreamer 66
CHAPTER 8 Encore Performance 74
CHAPTER 9 From Superstar to
Super Businessman 84

Timeline 96
Essential Facts 100
Glossary 102
Additional Resources 104
Source Notes 106
Index 110
About the Author 112
The Lakers’ Magic Johnson, right, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
double-team the 76ers’ Caldwell Jones in the 1980 NBA Finals.
Johnson, a rookie, helped Los Angeles win the title in six games.
7
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2
n May 16, 1980, the National Basketball
Association (NBA) and its fans witnessed
an NBA Finals performance that is still
regarded as one of the best ever. The Los Angeles
Lakers were in Philadelphia to face the 76ers in
Game 6. As the teams prepared for the game, the
Lakers’ Earvin “Magic” Johnson entered the circle
at midcourt for the opening tip.
Typically, the center on each team participates
in the jump ball to start a basketball game. The
Lakers’ center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was the

star of his team and one of the best players in the
NBA. During the regular season, Abdul-Jabbar
had led the Lakers in scoring, rebounding, and
blocked shots. He was selected as the league’s
Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a record sixth
time.
But in Game 5 of the Finals in Los Angeles,
Abdul-Jabbar suffered a badly sprained left ankle.
The injury would force him to sit out Game 6.
Needing someone to fill in for Abdul-Jabbar,
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interim coach Paul Westhead decided to go with
Johnson, the 20-year-old rookie, at center when the
Lakers were on offense and put him back at guard when
the team was on defense.
Johnson was a one-of-a-kind player. He was 6 feet,
9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighed 215 pounds (97.52
kg). Players his size usually are forwards in the NBA
and do not dribble the ball very often. But Johnson was
a point guard. He dribbled the ball up the court and
The 1980 NBA Finals featured
a fantastic matchup between Los
Angeles and Philadelphia, but
many people never watched the
games, mostly because they were
not regularly televised live around
the country. In 1980, the Finals
started on May 4 and ran through
May 16. Unlike today, the league
was not very popular and did not
have many viewers.
Despite its television
deal with the NBA, Columbia
Broadcasting System (CBS) did
not want to interrupt its prime-
time television schedule during

May with basketball. The solution
CBS came up with was to have
weekday games air after the local
news, meaning the games would
not be shown until 11:30 p.m. in
Philadelphia. Even on the West
Coast, the games were shown on
tape delay after the news, except in
Los Angeles, where the games were
broadcast live.
After watching the show Magic
Johnson put on in the Finals, the
NBA soon made changes. Once its
contract with CBS expired after
the 1980–81 season, the NBA
demanded that all Finals games
be shown during prime time. The
league also pushed back the start
of the season from October to
November, allowing the Finals
to be played, and aired, in June
instead of May. The TV networks
do not show as many new episodes
of their shows in June, which
meant the Finals would have less
competition for viewers.
LM.++*7*39VL
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ran the offense for the Lakers. Johnson’s outstanding
rookie season quieted critics who said he would be
too big and slow to be a successful point guard in the
NBA. Now he was a major reason why the Lakers were
playing for the title. Even so, asking him to fill in for
Abdul-Jabbar was a huge task.

But Johnson did not show any nerves before the
game. He was laughing and grinning. Philadelphia’s
center, Caldwell Jones, was 7-foot-1 (2.16 m) and stood
opposite Johnson. Jones looked amazed, not quite
sure what to think of Johnson. Jones easily won the
jump ball against Johnson, but that would be about the
only play Johnson failed to do well that spring night.
Dribbling skillfully, Johnson drove past Jones for easy
layups. When the 76ers tried to slow him down by
having guards defend Johnson, his height allowed him
to sink easy jumpers or make uncontested passes to his
teammates.
When the contest was over, Johnson had finished
one of the greatest games in NBA Finals history.
Playing 47 of the game’s 48 minutes, he scored
42points, grabbed 15 rebounds, handed out seven
assists, and had three steals and one blocked shot. With
Johnson dominating the game, the Lakers, without
superstar Abdul-Jabbar, defeated the Sixers 123–107
to win the best-of-seven series and earn their first NBA
title since 1972.
10
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“Nobody had expected us to win that game,”
Johnson wrote in his autobiography My Life. “We knew
we could do it, and we were up for the game. But to
actually have it happen without the greatest player in
the league—that was hard to believe.”
1
Continued Success
Johnson’s brilliance in Game 6 allowed him to
become the first rookie in league history to be named
the MVP of the NBA Finals. Fans, however, should
not have been too surprised by what he did on the
court against the 76ers. After leading Michigan State
to victory in the 1979 National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) title game—in which the Spartans
beat future Hall of Fame player Larry Bird and Indiana

State—Johnson was the first player selected in the
NBA Draft. Despite his young age, Johnson proved
that he belonged in the NBA. Johnson was selected to
the All-Star Game as a rookie and finished the season
averaging 18 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
Johnson was even better in the playoffs, averaging
18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game.
He almost averaged a triple-double in his first NBA
postseason. His performance in the Finals, specifically
Game 6, left no doubt as to his skill.
“I knew he was good, but I never realized he was
great,”
2
Doug Collins, a 76ers guard, said.
11
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Just a Big Kid
When Johnson first arrived in Los Angeles and
started practicing with the older players, they quickly
noticed his incredible energy and enthusiasm. Johnson
was quick to give a high five to a teammate for making
a good play. Johnson’s child-like approach to playing
basketball brought energy to the team.
Lakers coach Jack McKinney, who was unable to
finish the season on the bench after suffering a serious
Lakers star rookie Magic Johnson holds his NBA Finals MVPAward
as he poses with interim coach Paul Westhead in May 1980.
12
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head injury in a bicycle accident
during the season, said Johnson
changed the style of basketball
the Lakers played, making
it more exciting. In previous
seasons, Los Angeles slowed
the pace of the game down and
fed the ball in the paint—the
area near the basket—to Abdul-
Jabbar, Adrian Dantley, and its
other big players. In a word,
the Lakers were “bland”—until
Johnson arrived.
Johnson’s seemingly

unlimited potential was fully
on display against Philadelphia, and his one-man
demolition of the 76ers in Game 6 left a lasting
impression on Philadelphia star Julius “Dr. J.” Erving.
“Earvin turned in what many consider, myself
included, the best performance ever in an NBA Finals
game,” Erving said. “While I obviously would’ve preferred
winning that game and then the championship, at least
I can look back 25 years later and say that I saw the
legend of Magic Johnson born first-hand.”
3
King of the
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Lakers coach Jack McKinney is shown with Magic Johnson a
month before the 1979–80 season opened.
Early in his NBA career, Magic Johnson poses for a picture with his
father, Earvin Sr. Magic learned from his father’s strong work ethic.
15
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(
arvin Johnson Jr. was born in Lansing,
Michigan, on August 14, 1959, to
Christine and Earvin Johnson Sr. With
the birth of Earvin Jr., the Johnson family had
seven children. Earvin Sr. had three children from
a previous marriage. He and Christine would have
three more children after Earvin Jr. was born.
The family was not rich, but Earvin’s parents
worked hard to provide for the children. Earvin
Sr. worked at a nearby General Motors factory and
held down two part-time jobs. This allowed the
Johnsons to live in a three-bedroom house. One
room was shared by Earvin’s four sisters—Pearl,
Kim, and twins Evelyn and Yvonne. Earvin slept in
the same room as his two older brothers—Quincy
and Larry. Earvin’s stepbrother and stepsisters—
Michael, Lois and Mary—often came to visit

as well, meaning Earvin usually had a playmate
nearby.
As an adult, Johnson has been known for his
smile and playful personality. Those traits must
74<.3,5
16
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have carried over from childhood—Earvin’s mother

often described him as a playful baby who loved to
smile and be held by anyone. Before he became known
as Magic, Earvin had many different nicknames. His
parents called him Junior, and his friends called him
E.J. or E. Neighbors often called him June Bug because
he was chubby as a child and always hopping around.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to go through my
professional career with that name,” Johnson wrote.
“‘And now, ladies and gentlemen, playing guard for
the world-champion Los Angeles Lakers, June Bug
Johnson!’”
1
The Value of Hard Work
Earvin looked up to his father and saw how hard
he worked. Earvin learned that he was expected to
work hard as well. He had to do his share of chores,
including raking leaves or shoveling snow. Earvin also
had to work for spending money as his father did not
believe in handing out money without someone earning
it. By the age of ten, Earvin started his own yard-care
business. This enabled Earvin to see a movie or buy a
record.
Earvin also helped clean the offices of two
prominent African-American businessmen in Lansing.
For the most part, Lansing was a white community.
There were not very many rich African-American men.
17
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S
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But these two men had large homes and expensive
cars. Earvin was determined that he would become
successful like these men.
Basketball in the Genes
Earvin’s father rarely had free time, but when
he did have a chance to relax, he often watched NBA
games on television. Earvin Sr. had played basketball in

high school, and Christine had also played basketball
when she was young. As Earvin’s older brothers played
basketball, it was not surprising that Earvin developed
an interest in the sport. He also decided that being part
of a winning team, not necessarily being a great player,
was what mattered most when it came to sports.
Earvin was often seen dribbling a basketball or
playing at the local basketball courts. When he was not
playing, he listened to his father talk about the game—
about details that could help an average player become
a good player and a good player become great. Johnson
said his father helped him understand the importance
of the little things in basketball.
One of the little things meant becoming an
excellent ball handler with the ability to dribble and
pass the ball well. Earvin dribbled the ball in front of
his house for hours. First, he used his right hand, then
his left, and then back and forth between both hands.
No matter where he went, a basketball was often with
18
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him, bouncing up and down off a sidewalk, street,
or floor.
The little things also meant practicing the basic
shots of basketball. Instead of taking nothing but jump
shots away from the basket, Earvin spent much of his
time on the playground practicing layups. Positioned
close to the basket, he would shoot off the backboard
and into the net. Earvin practiced until he became
proficient at shooting with either hand, a skill very few
people had at his age.
Putting His Skills
to Use
By the time Earvin was
eight years old, he was better at
basketball than the children his
own age, so he played against
Larry, his older brother. Larry

was not only older, but he was
also bigger and stronger, giving
him the advantage when he got
close to the basket and shot. But
Earvin did not let that stop him.
His practice dribbling the ball
and making layups paid off. He
would dribble around Larry and
make bucket after bucket.
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As Earvin developed his skills, he also started

to grow. His June Bug nickname no longer was
appropriate. In seventh grade, he was 6 feet (1.83 m)
tall. By the time he was in eighth grade, he was 6-foot-4
(1.93 m). On the basketball court for Dwight Rich
Junior High, Earvin was having a great time. He was
easily the best player on the team.
Unfortunately for Earvin, his father was always
working when the games were played. Earvin did his
best to tell his father about each game afterward, but
it was not quite the same. Finally, Earvin Sr. asked his
supervisor if he could leave work early to go watch his
son play. After being turned down, he went straight to
the foreman, who said he had heard about Earvin Jr.’s
success on the court and that Earvin Sr. had to be there
to watch. Earvin Sr. left work early, and, after watching
his son, he did not miss another game.
Earvin led his junior high team to two Lansing
city championships. Still, he had doubts about his
playing abilities. Perhaps he was so good because he
was taller than everyone else. Plus, Lansing is just a
small city located about 80 miles (128.75 km) northwest
of Detroit. The stars of the NBA always seemed to come
from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, or some other
large city. Because he was not sure about his talent,
Earvin continued to work at improving his skills.
20
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When Magic Johnson was a child, youngsters across the nation
were bused in an effort to integrate the schools.
On to High School
In the fall of 1974, Earvin enrolled at Everett High
School. Earvin actually lived closer to Sexton High
School, a predominately black school. However, because
of integration policies during the 1970s, Earvin was
bused to Everett. Earvin was not very pleased about
being placed in this predominately white school with a
mediocre basketball team. Yet, Earvin tried out for the
basketball team and earned a place on the varsity team.

21
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However, it was obvious that most of his
teammates did not want him there. Despite being wide
open during a practice, passes were seldom thrown

his way. Deciding he had enough, Earvin took over.
He dribbled the ball the length of the court and then
slammed the ball through the basket. Again and again,
he did everything on his own. This nearly led to a fight
between Earvin and one of his teammates. At this
point, Earvin considered leaving the team. But after
talking to his coach, George Fox, he decided to stay.
Soon, he reached an agreement with his teammates,
and Everett started to play well.
Even though Earvin was the tallest player on the
team, Fox had Earvin play point guard because of his
ability to dribble and pass the ball. Earvin made sure
his teammates got the ball in the area they wanted it.
Thanks to his leadership, Everett turned into a winning
team. Earvin played so well during his junior season
that he was selected as Michigan’s Prep Player of the
Year by United Press International and was named MVP
of his conference.
As Earvin entered his senior season, Everett was
one of the top teams in the state. Earvin had two goals
as a senior: He wanted to win a state title and earn a
scholarship to play basketball in college. His first goal
was reached when Everett captured the title with a
thrilling overtime win in the championship game on
22
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the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. His
second goal was more difficult because multiple schools
wanted Earvin to play for them. He narrowed his
choices to two schools—the University of Michigan and
Michigan State University, in nearby East Lansing.
Friends and fans wanted him to play for Michigan
State. Earvin’s father wanted him to attend that
university. It was the school he had always cheered
for, and it was also the school Earvin cheered for when
he was younger. Earvin made the decision to attend
Michigan State. Soon, he would help change the game
of college basketball.

During his sophomore season
at Everett High School, Earvin
Johnson was already the best
player on the team. Playing point
guard, he set up his teammates
for easy baskets thanks to his
amazing passing skills. But Earvin
could also score and rebound.
In one game, he had 36 points,
18rebounds, and 16 assists. After
the contest, Fred Stabley Jr., a
reporter from the Lansing State
Journal, approached Earvin.
“Listen, Earvin, I think you
should have a nickname,” Stabley
said. “I was thinking of calling you
Dr. J., but that’s taken. And so is
Big E—Elvin Hayes. How about if I
call you Magic?”
3

Earvin was just 15 at the
time and embarrassed by the
conversation, especially since his
teammates were listening. Not
thinking the nickname would
stick, Earvin said it was fine with
him if Stabley wanted to call him
Magic. Stabley did not use the
nickname right away. But after

another impressive game by
Earvin, Stabley referred to Earvin
“Magic” Johnson in a story. Within
months, Earvin became known as
Magic throughout Michigan.
-*V.79-4+&,.(
In February 1997, former NBA great Magic Johnson received a plaque
as Everett High School renamed its gymnasium in honor of him.