LA Sparks, Magic Johnson are hosting a party and you’re invited!

The Los Angeles Sparks will hold a celebration of their WNBA championship Monday at L.A. Live’s Microsoft Square beginning at 4 p.m.

Basketball Hall of Fame member Earvin “Magic Johnson, who co-leads the investment group which owns the team, and Mayor Eric Garcetti will join the team and coach Brian Agler at the planned hour-long celebration, which is free and open to the public.

The Sparks dance teams — the Sparks Crew, Ole Skool Crew and SparKids — will perform and DJ Mal-Ski will provide music.

The Sparks won the 2016 championship title Thursday after defeating the defending champion Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

Magic Johnson (and family) mark Clinton fundraiser on Instagram

Hillary Clinton couldn’t pass up the chance to visit NBA legend and longtime supporter Earvin “Magic” Johnson this week on her fundraising swing through California. And if you know anything about the Johnson family, you won’t be surprised they posted a few photos from the evening on Instagram.

It’s somewhat rare for pop culture figures outside the campaign apparatus to post photos from private fundraisers. Nonetheless, three of the family’s accounts lit up with images from the event they co-hosted with Samuel L. Jackson and Denzel Washington and their wives, LaTanya and Pauletta. Snapchat, too, was buzzing with media from the gathering (watch clips over at TMZ).

Clinton is attending as many high-dollar fundraisers as she can before her campaign schedule intensifies in September. Coming up on her California trip? Gatherings at the homes of Justin Timberlake and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Warriors’ Draymond Green Faces 90 Days In Jail: Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley Show Support

Court documents reveal that a request for waiver of arraignment filed by Draymond Green’s lawyer has been approved by East Lansing District Court Judge Andrea Andrews Larkin. 

With the approval, Green will not have to be present in the court to be arraigned for the charge of assault that he faces.

The incident involved the Golden State Warriors’ Green who allegedly struck another man on Sunday, as reported by M Live. While no injuries have been reported, if found guilty Green may be fined $500 and/or have to spend 90 days in jail. A video surfaced on Tuesday which showed an individual, alleged to be Green, being led away in cuffs by the police.

Green was subsequently released on a $200 bond.

The former Michigan State standout would have had to appear before July 20 to be arraigned if his request for waiver had not been approved. Green has filed a plea of not guilty and will head to a pre-trial conference, which is scheduled to be held on August 4 at 10 a.m.

According to SF Gate, Michigan State alum Magic Johnson said in a tweet that Green is “very apologetic to the Warriors organization, fans and everyone involved.”

Johnson wrote another tweet, saying that he has “Known Draymond since he was a freshmen at MSU, he’s a good person w/ a big heart and he continues to give back to youth around the country!”

Green also received support in the form of Charles Barkley, who said the media has enabled fans to say on social media “anything they want about these professional players.” He further went on to say the media “read these fools’ tweets. Y’all make them feel like their opinion is important. Y’all have given these fans a voice where they think they can disrespect these players because of the amount of money they make and things like that. So, more power to Draymond for slapping the hell out of that kid, whoever he was.”

Green is a member of the U.S. National Team, and will participate in Team USA training camp in Las Vegas from July 18 until July 21. Team USA will also be taking part in exhibition games scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Chicago in late July.

Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Lakers sever ties

Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers have cut their official ties.

The name of the team’s Hall of Famer has been removed from the staff directory, which previously had listed him as having the honorary title of vice president. Johnson frequently has been critical of his former team and Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times writes that the team “appeared to want to create distance from his wide-ranging opinions to eliminate conflict-of-interest issues, among other things.”

“Earvin will always be a revered and beloved member of the Lakers family, but he does not have a position or role with the organization at the time,” Lakers spokesman John Black said in a statement. “He is not an adviser or a consultant, and his opinions, comments and social media posts are solely his, and do not represent or reflect those of Lakers ownership or management. Hopefully this will eliminate any confusion over this issue in the future.”

Johnson, who sold his ownership stake in the Lakers in 2010 but remains one of the most visible faces of the franchise, has been especially critical of Jim Buss, a Lakers owner and the executive who runs the basketball side of the organization. Johnson has been especially critical of what he says is Buss’s reluctance to delegate authority to General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

“[He’s] trying to do it himself, trying to prove to everybody that this was the right decision, that ‘my dad gave me the reins,’ and he’s not consulting anybody,” Johnson said on ESPN’s “First Take” in February.

“His father was smart enough to understand that, you know? ‘I can own the team, but I don’t have the basketball expertise to make those decisions, so let me bring in Jerry West who stepped down as GM in 2000.’ “

Fire damages former Magic Johnson theater at Randall Park Mall

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio — The former Magic Johnson movie theater at Randall Park Mall was heavily damaged Thursday night by a fire.

The fire started around 9:30 p.m. in the concession area of the now-vacant building and spread to a one of the theaters, Bedford Heights Fire Chief Ken Ledford said.

When fire crews arrived, flames and heavy smoke were coming from the top of the building, Ledford said.

Firefighters from North Randall, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Maple Heights, Highland Hills and Warrensville Heights were able to keep the fire contained to concession area and one theater.

Ladder trucks from Bedford Heights and Bedford were used to douse flames on the roof and firefighters went inside the building to bring the fire under control in about 90 minutes.

There were no injuries.

Ledford did not have a dollar estimate on the damage to the building but said there was smoke damage throughout. The exact cause of the fire is unknown, Ledford said.

Developers own much of the former mall property, including the theater, and had plans to refurbish some of the still-standing buildings for industrial use.

A group of men associated with the property were at the site late Thursday night but declined comment.

Randall Park Mall opened in 1976 but closed in 2009 after years of decline. Demolition of much of the mall started in December 2014.

The 12-screen Magic Johnson Theater, named for former NBA star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, opened in 1999, with Johnson cutting a ribbon to welcome moviegoers. Lagging sales resulted in theater owner AMC Entertainment to pull out in March 2008.

An attempt to keep the cinema open under new management was unsuccessful.

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Magic Johnson blasts the Lakers on Twitter

Magic Johnson has gone to Twitter to rant about the lost season for the Lakers

Let’s be honest for a second: The Lakers have been having a terrible season. Not only are they losing the legendary Kobe Bryant to retirement, they can’t seem to win important games. Even though fans are coming in, it looks like they are just there to get one final look at Kobe. Who can blame a fan base that has been tired of failure for years?

Magic Johnson has apparently felt everyone’s pain. The Lakers great is one of the best people to follow on Twitter, due to his random comments and analysis of the game. Most of them are for good fun, but this time he wasn’t messing around. After the Lakers lost in an embarrassing game against the Jazz, Magic had enough. He spoke out, tweeting:

That last tweet may be very realistic. Last year, the Lakers went 21–61.  This year, the team is 15-59 with just a few games left to play. It doesn’t sound promising for them. Magic also discussed the one bearable part of the Lakers season (like I stated above).

For a legend like Magic Johnson to say that is like a dagger to the heart for the Lakers. The bright spot for the team down the line will be the young talent that they have. With Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell turning heads, and a possible star coming from the NBA Draft, things will be looking to pick up for the Lakers. If they have a coach that fits their style (like when Phil Jackson was there), we might see some sparks in Hollywood again.

Maybe Magic will take notice of the progress of the Lakers (when it happens) down the line. I can’t wait to see him tweet about the team then. Actually, I can’t wait for him to tweet in general.

Magic Johnson says underrepresentation of minorities in tech is disappointing

Magic Johnson has a simple piece of advice for today's tech giants: "Care about your people."

Johnson, the all-star basketball player turned entrepreneur and philanthropist, has been watching closely as Silicon Valley stumbles its way toward improving diversity and inclusion.

In an interview this week with Mashable over e-mail, Johnson said he feels the current "underrepresentation" of minorities in tech is"disappointing" and just plain bad business.

"Diversity helps companies be better caretakers of their employees, and in turn, their customers," Johnson explains to Mashable. " 

Have an employee base that reflects your customer base. At the end of the day, it’s these employees that make or break a business."

More than that, he argues the diversity of staff affects how well tech companies can serve a more diverse audience, in the U.S. and abroad. "You can’t make products or services for a global audience if your company doesn’t represent that audience," he says."I think more can be done."

Now he's putting his money behind that cause.

On Wednesday, Johnson's organization, Magic Johnson Enterprises, joined a group of prominent backers who invested $3.5 million in Jopwell, a startup building a platform to connect businesses like Facebook, Square and Box with black, Hispanic and Native American job candidates.

A spokesperson for Jopwell declined to disclose the size of Johnson's investment in particular.

"Leaders in tech and beyond need to understand that workplace diversity is a real commitment. It’s more than just a CEO statement on a website. You have to work at it. It doesn’t just happen overnight," Johnson says. "Companies need to be deliberate and persistent in their efforts to ensure their employee base is diverse. I also think you need technology, like Jopwell’s, to turn goals into real change."

Many of the biggest names in Silicon Valley began disclosing their less-than-impressive diversity numbers for the first time two years ago and talking up the need to improve. Despite plenty of rhetoric, symbolic hires of diversity chiefs and unconscious bias training, the biggest tech companies remain overwhelmingly white and male.

As those companies were first ramping up those efforts in 2014, Johnson spoke out urging them to "give me a call."

"I've been doing this for over 35 years. I've done this for other big corporations as well: Best Buy, Aetna, on and on. I know how to do it," he told USA Today in 2014. "They just need to give me a call. If they're looking for talent, give me a call. If they are looking for companies to partner with, give me a call."

Since then, Johnson has cemented his footprint in the tech industry by joining the board of directors at Square, the payments service founded and run by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and investing in startups like Jopwell and Walker & Company, which develops shaving products specifically for the hair of black men and women.

"We’re in a time in which there’s a critical mass of tech companies that are at the intersection of profits and positive social impact. I like working with companies that can really innovate the way we do things and make them better," Johnson says when asked to explain his newfound fascination with the tech industry.

"I like companies that bring quality goods, services, opportunities and resources to historically underserved communities. Those things have always been a part of my investment strategy," he continued. "It just so happens that many of the companies doing those things now happen to be within the tech sector."

Why Magic Johnson Invested in This One-Year-Old Staffing Firm

In an attempt to crack the code to Silicon Valley's diversity problem, Jopwell connects ethnic minority candidates to high-paying jobs in the technology sector.

Ryan Williams, co-founder and president of staffing startup Jopwell, had a prolific career in finance before setting out to become an entrepreneur. As an African American, he says he knows what it feels like to be isolated in a predominately white workplace.

"It's professionally unsettling (and not a confidence boost) for someone of color to look around and not see anyone else who looks like them," said Williams. "There's often a discounting of ability that happens either consciously or subconsciously." 

In 2015, Williams did the unthinkable: He quit his job at Goldman Sachs to start a technology staffing company with Porter Braswell, his co-founder and CEO. The startup, Jopwell, is a web platform connecting black, Hispanic and Native American job candidates to top-tier employers. Though Williams and Braswell didn't have experience in either technology or staffing, both were inspired by the possibility of marrying the two concepts.

Today, just one year after launching, Jopwell has more than 40 major clients, including Facebook, Box, and Goldman Sachs.  Former NBA player, Earvin "Magic" Johnson also invested in the company through his eponymous venture capital fund.

On Wednesday, the company announced that it raised a $3.25 million seed round from investors such investors as Magic Johnson Enterprises, Andreessen Horowitz, Omidyar Network, Kapor Capital, and Valar Ventures, bringing the total capital raised to $4.42 million. The money will be used to expand Jopwell's 12-person staff, and to build out the platform to scale.

Cracking the code to Silicon Valley's diversity problem

When a slew of Silicon Valley giants released their internal diversity statistics for the first time in 2014, it became clear that tech companies have a long way to go before reaching anything close to ethnic parity.

At leading companies like Google and Yahoo, African Americans still make up just one percent of all tech hires. At large, blacks are consistently underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineer and mathematics) fields, according to the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau. They made up just six percent of STEM workers in 2011.

A solution won't happen "overnight"

Magic Johnson bemoans the lack of diversity in the tech sector: "Leaders in tech and beyond need to understand that workplace diversity is a real commitment," he says. "It's more than just a CEO statement on a website. You have to work at it. It doesn't just happen overnight."

Johnson encourages companies to be more deliberate and persistent in their efforts to create a diverse workforce. "I also think you need new technology, like Jopwell, to turn goals into real change," he said.

Of course, it helps that Jopwell hinges upon the very thing that Silicon Valley knows best: Algorithms. The founders add that reeling in corporate clients wasn't too hard, since many of those clients are painfully aware of how far they have to go to achieve true diversity.  

To date, Jopwell has connected more than 6,000 individuals to employment at major companies, with the only requirement for a prospective user being that he or she has graduated from college. "We don't 'accept' people, we provide the technology for the companies to search and filter," Braswell explained.

Though he admits that the pipeline is limited (in that some potential candidates of color may not have had the opportunity to go to college, or learn to code), he notes that the startup is partnering with nonprofit organizations, like City Year, to help minority students get access to education.

Magic Johnson: Investing in Jopwell Was a 'No Brainer'

Pitching a diversity company to high-profile investors was not an easy experience, the founders admitted. Often, it required "getting them up to speed" with how exactly such a business model could turn a profit.

Not so with Johnson, however, who says that Jopwell was a "no brainer" investment for his firm.

"The three of us sat down and had a really open and honest conversation about diversity and the workforce," Braswell said. "He totally gets what we're trying to solve." 

Magic Johnson To Speak In Benton Harbor

Earvin Magic Johnson is once again coming to Benton Harbor. His visit will be on December first to the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, and Benton Harbor Schools is inviting students from all over southwest Michigan to come and hear his message. District Consent Agreement Consultant Cynthia LaGrow.
Tickets to get into the one pm address by Johnson will be 20 dollars for students, and sponsors are being sought to pay that expense for Benton Harbor students, as well as students from any other surrounding district. Adults will also be able to get in for 25 dollars. Tickets are on sale at TheMendelCenter.com, and you can sponsor students to attend by calling LaGrow at the Benton Harbor Area Schools central administration building at 605-1000.

Magic Johnson joins Los Angeles 2024 Olympic bid team

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hall of Famer and Olympic champion Magic Johnson has been named vice chair of the group trying to lure the 2024 Olympic Games to Los Angeles.

Johnson, who won five NBA titles with the Lakers, says in a statement that Los Angeles is “the best sports town in America.”

The Los Angeles 2024 committee also said Wednesday that prominent labor leader Maria Elena Durazo would join Johnson as a vice chair of the board.

Four-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans was named a vice chair in September.

The panel says they add expertise in sports, business and labor relations to LA’s Olympic bid.

The International Olympic Committee will select the 2024 host in 2017.

Los Angeles is competing against proposals from Paris, Rome, Hamburg, Germany, and Budapest, Hungary.

Have you Seen Magic Johnson's Son EJ Lately? What a Transformation! [PHOTO]

EJ Johnson, Former NBA player Magic Johnson's son, has an over the top bigger than life personality that viewers were introduced to during his stint on the reality show, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. His personality wasn't the only part of him that was big at the time of the show. Johnson weighed well over 200 pounds but has since lost over 100 pounds since his surgery and all that can be said is, have you seen him lately? Good or bad -- what a transformation!

Johnson has lived his life out loud holding no secrets from anyone. He revealed that the doctors removed 80 percent of his stomach during his gastric sleeve surgery back in September of last year and within a matter of months the weight just started falling off. Although he admittedly stated during a Wendy Williams Show interview that the new look comes at price -- hard work. Entertainment Tonight cited the interview, "This is not something that you do and then all of a sudden everything is gone and you're skinny and you're a new person," he revealed. "It's definitely a tool and something that you have to work at."

The work has paid off and he's definitely turning heads but not all in a good way. MTO released a story claiming that the NBA legend's son could be going through a transition and switching from a "he" to a "she." The site released a photo of young Johnson attending an event at NY Fashion week with this caption " MJ was at NYs Fashion Week yesterday, showing off his new look. He appears to be going through THE TRANSITION."

Could it be that the transition is all about fashion and not gender? After all, Johnson has become quite the style icon in his own right with his website, ejjohnsonstyle.com, where he showcases several photos of himself in the latest and most trendy clothing items and accessories. Daily Mail captured some of his style in an article describing EJ's night out wearing a fishnet shirt, leather hot pants and a camouflage jacket. The look was featured in a fashion blog Female Fashion Finder where he was praised for the look. "If there was a pecking order in fashion, EJ would be our captain."

Maybe the looks are a little too risque or just the spice of his life. What do you think of the new look?

Magic Johnson And Michael Jordan Went On A Double Date In Monte Carlo

Back in 1992, Magic Johnson refused to pose any closer to Michael Jordan than need be during a photo shoot in Barcelona, Spain. The pair were overseas for what would become the Dream Team's legendary Olympic performance, and Johnson wasn't about to let the moment go without taking a friendly jab at his new backcourt-mate. 

“You can’t get too close to Michael, it’s a foul,” Johnson cracked at the time, referencing Jordan’s golden-boy status with the NBA and its referees.

Now, more than two decades later and back in Europe, Johnson has managed once again to create some distance between himself and His Airness. 

The former Lakers floor general posted a photo on Instagram Monday night of a Johnson-Jordan double date in which the two used their wives as a double-screen of sorts. The two couples were celebrating the Johnsons' 24th wedding anniversary.

They seem to have replaced the Olympic Village with a Monte Carlo villa -- and the parquet Olympic court with the palms of the coastline -- but at least one thing has remained the same: Johnson’s still smiling. Presumably, he avoided the foul call once more, as well. 

He has won plaudits for his daring fashion choices of late.

And Real Kids Of Beverly Hills star EJ Johnson scored yet another stylistic slam dunk as he paraded his pins in skimpy short shorts in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The fashion forward reality television personality was spotted making his girl friend's day by giving her a smooch after lunch at posh eatery The Ivy, before heading on his way.

Mwah: Rich Kids star EJ Johnson kissed his girl friend after lunch in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The once roly poly 23-year-old took great delight in showing off his slimline figure in a long flowing cardingan, black vest, shorts and boots.

Flamboyant EJ rounded off his most excellent ensemble with a pair of comically oversized sunglasses. 

The son of macho basketball legend Magic Johnson then worked the pavement for all it was worth as he swaggered down the street, turning heads as he went.

EJ boasted on the season three finale of Rick Kids Of Beverly Hills about how his amazing transformation has made him a completely new man on the dating scene - proudly saying: 'I'm a new bitch.'

Caio darling: Either his friend was sad to see him go or was jealous of his exquisite designer handbag

Turning heads: A woman was caught staring at the towering reality personality's buns of steel

That's Magic: He could not resist having a cheeky smile when he realised he was causing a stir

'The attention I get from men now is completely different than before,' the slimmed-down star told his sister Elise in the episode of the E! Network reality TV show.

'I feel like I definitely don't have to work as hard,' EJ revealed.

EJ has shed a remarkable 180 pounds since having a gastric bypass last September which helped him on his mission to lose weight.

He told Wendy Williams: 'It was a tool, and I think that it was something that really helped me jumpstart the life I definitely wanted to lead...I mean like literally I'm almost half my size.'

Openly gay EJ added: 'I'm not dating anyone right now but, trust me, there are a lot of offers on the table.'

Fashion slam dunk: It is easy to see why the flamboyant student has been winning so many plaudits of late

Can't Take My Eyes Off You: This young lady obviously thought he was just too good to be true

Caitlyn 2.0? Magic Johnson’s Son EJ Parading Around L.A. In A Dress

Former NBA star Magic Johnson‘s son EJ is having a ball with his new, slimmed-down body, parading it around Tinseltown — in a dress!

The towering 23-year-old fan favorite from Rich Kids of Beverly Hills has been spotted bouncing around with knee-high boots, a black purse, makeup and a plunging neckline, reports The National ENQUIRER. All that was missing was a wig!

“I’m a classic bitch!” EJ tweeted to his followers.

The flamboyant display, which began after the famous son shed 180 pounds with gastric surgery in August 2014, has sparked speculation that he’s seriously courting the idea of following in the footsteps of Caitlyn Jenner and making a fast break to become a woman.

“A big part of the weight loss is the desire to get rid of something and become something else,” said Dr. Mark Goulston, an L.A. psychiatrist and the author of “Just Listen.”

At his portly peak, the Lakers legend’s lad tipped the scales at a whopping 350 pounds.

While EJ has never openly declared a desire to follow in the high-heeled path of Jenner and become a fully transgendered TV star, he has hinted that he may be sashaying down a similar path.

“The surgery was just a tool,” he said. “I think that it was something that really helped me jump-start the life I definitely wanted to lead.”

Happy Birthday, Magic Johnson

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson was born August 14, 1959.

In a 13-season NBA career, the dominant point guard set an all-time record with 11.2 assists per game, leading the "Showtime" Lakers to five NBA titles.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson chose to stay home to play college ball, committing to Michigan State University in 1977. In his sophomore season, his Spartan team faced Larry Bird's undefeated Indiana State squad in the 1979 NCAA Championship game, foreshadowing the two stars' future pro rivalry. Johnson scored 24 points, leading MSU to a 75-64 win.

After being chosen as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1979 Final Four, Johnson was chosen first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in that year's NBA Draft, a team already returning stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jamaal Wilkes.

Johnson immediately gained a starting role and thrived, leading the Lakers to a 60-22 record before becoming the first rookie in league history to win the NBA Finals MVP award after a 4-2 series win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

This performance in Game 6, in which Abdul-Jabbar was out due to an ankle
injury while Johnson tallied 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, was called "the best single-game performance in Finals history" by NBA.com:

Although the 6-foot-9 point guard missed much of 1980-81 due to knee problems, he returned to form in the following years, winning his second Finals MVP in 1982 after another series win over the 76ers.

Between 1982-83 and 1986-87, Johnson led the league in assists per game four times, joining Abdul-Jabbar and 1982 draft pick James Worthy to form the "Showtime" Lakers that rivaled Bird's Celtics for league supremacy.

The Lakers and Celtics met in the NBA Finals in three out of those five seasons, with Los Angeles winning two of them and Johnson winning his third Finals MVP in 1987.

Nearing the start of the 1991-92 season, however, Johnson shook the basketball world with an abrupt retirement, announcing to the country that he had tested positive for HIV during the offseason. Despite missing that entire season, Johnson still played in the 1992 NBA All-Star game (winning MVP honors) and for the 1992 Olympic "Dream Team," although his NBA career wouldn't resume besides a brief comeback in 1995-96.

Since retiring, Johnson has become known for his philanthropy, founding the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV in 1991. He also has had tremendous success in business with Magic Johnson Enterprises, which currently owns the Los Angeles Dodgers and is expected to co-own a future L.A.-based MLS team.

Johnson finished his 13-year career with five NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, and three regular season MVPs (1987, 1989, 1990). He was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, and was named the best point guard in history by ESPN in 2007.

Magic Johnson I'm Seein' 'Straight Outta Compton' For My Birthday!

Magic Johnson is a legend in Los Angeles, so it's only fitting he spends his 56th birthday watching the biopic of a few other L.A. legends ... "Straight Outta Compton."
The incomparable Laker had a birthday lunch at the Ivy and told us he'll catch the N.W.A. flick with his wife, Cookie.
Magic has strong feelings about increased security, but it's not because of the movie ... it goes way deeper.
And, on this birthday, which accomplishment do you think the athlete/businessman/activist cherishes most?

Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne: the Magic and Bird of the WNBA?

Attendances are up, and a pair of young rivals are poised to define the WNBA – in much the same way Magic Johnson and Larry Bird did for the men

Back in the late 1970s, the NBA was a league still struggling to find a mainstream audience. The league was considered niche entertainment. Arenas weren’t full. Television coverage was the exception, not the rule.

Then along came Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. And suddenly the NBA found itself at the mainstream center of American sports.

Thirty-four years after Bird and Magic debuted in the NBA, a pair of paradigm-changing young standouts, Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky, joined the WNBA in 2013. Now each in their third season, the two stand poised to define their league through a rivalry that could elevate the league in much the same way Bird and Magic did for the men.

“Rivalries are good in every league,” the Indiana Fever’s Tamika Catchings said of Griner and Delle Donne. “Something to build a story around. Something compelling. Both of them have had success, and Elena has had the best year of her WNBA career. So that’s exciting to watch and be a part of.

“And then you have Brittney coming off the championship last year. People are drawn to that. And for both of them, their games will continue to grow. So that’s something you’ll be able to watch. And they’re young. So you know they’ll be around for years to come.”

Griner is the tallest player in the league, at 6ft 8in, but relies on a still-developing array of skills to augment her raw power finishing around the basket, and an unparalleled ability to swat away opposing shot attempts.

As for Delle Donne, the 6ft 5in guard/forward is as comfortable bringing the ball up the floor and distributing as she is posting up, averaging double figures in rebounding, and shooting 36% for her career from three-point range.

“I look at Elena Delle Donne,” Catchings said. “When we were younger, you were told: you’re the one, you’re the point guard. You bring the ball up. You’re the two guard, all you do is shoot. You’re the three, you’re the four, you’re the five, everybody was put into positions early on. [Now] you have a 6ft 5in swing woman that can do 1-2-3-4-5. And people are like: oh my God.”

“There’s been no question of their impact,” WNBA president Laurel Richie said. “Back in the year of ‘Three to See’ we saw a significant uptick in ticket sales. And those are people who may not know the WNBA, but say: ‘I know Brittany Griner, Skylar Diggins and Elena Delle Donne.”Like Bird and Magic, Griner and Delle Donne were drafted one and two in the 2013 draft. And the league immediately knew what it had, marketing them, along with Skylar Diggins, as the “Three to See”.

But it has been Griner and Delle Donne who have tracked together. Diggins is an elite player in the league, but she’s played for Tulsa Shock teams that have finished well off the pace. And then she tore her ACL earlier this year, knocking her out for the season.

As for Delle Donne and Griner, , the two faced off in last season’s WNBA finals. Unsurprisingly, viewership for the series jumped 91% year-over-year from the 2013 finals.

And each player has improved from last year. Griner missed the first seven games with suspension stemming from her altercation with Glory Johnson. But since returning, she’s elevated her game across the board. Her PER jumped from 25.6 last year to 29.7 so far this season, with an improved true shooting percentage, block percentage, rebounding percentage, even hitting double figures in assist percentage. Fellow Mercury star Diana Taurasi is taking the year off, so coach Sandy Brondello is running her offense through Griner passing out of the post, and the Mercury are thriving with the adapted system.

“She’s really a good playmaker,” Brondello said Friday. “And you saw that last year, she had to become a good passer because she was drawing so much attention. She sees the floor quite well.”

“She’s hungrier than she’s been,” said Catchings, the league’s only five-time defensive player of the year. “And that shows in the way that she’s playing. The great thing about her is how she’s able to move. A lot of 6ft 9in people can’t do that. She’s graceful with it. That helps her on defense. As an offensive player, you’re always wondering where she is. Doesn’t matter if you’re at the three-point line or under the basket, you’re always looking around. I don’t want to get blocked. And then I definitely don’t want to get dunked on.”But it is Griner’s defense that is the game-changer.

Yes, about those dunks. Griner threw one down on Saturday at the WNBA all-star game, though she seemed prouder of the three-pointer she hit on her fifth attempt.

“I’m just trying to bring something exciting to the game, bring more people to the game, more people watching,” Griner said. “I love to do it, and my teammates feed off of it.”

Meanwhile, Delle Donne is on pace to shatter the league’s PER record, with an otherworldly 35.6 so far, and she’s challenging Taurasi’s single-season scoring record as well. Her ability to do it all has powered the Sky in the first half to an 11-6 record, good for second in the East, despite the team lacking a true center with Sylvia Fowles sitting out. And with the trade of Fowles’ rights Monday in a deal to add Erika de Souza in the middle, Delle Donne can ease up on the kind of LeBron defensive possessions she put together so often in the first half – rim protector and three-point closeouts within the same shot clock – and get back to destroying opposing defenses with the mismatch she presents for everyone.

Better still, Delle Donne is finally healthy. She missed the 2013 all-star game with a concussion, 2014 due to Lyme disease, and was even limited in last season’s finals showdown with Griner due to a back injury. She joked she’d spent “the last three days in a bubble” to make sure she’d get to play in the all-star game, but a focus on diet and changed exercise routine has redefined Delle Donne’s ability to stay on the court.

“It’s been a great season, and I’ve been able to stay healthy, which is so huge,” Delle Donne said Friday. “Especially dealing with a chronic illness. So to be here, to feel good, it’s a really special accomplishment.”

The league is growing – attendance is up 4.4% year-over-year in 2015. If the trend holds, it would be the third straight season of attendance growth, dating back to, you guessed it, 2013, when Delle Donne and Griner entered the league. Already, the trajectory of a rivalry to lift the WNBA from a circuit of secondary attention – the way Bird and Magic took the NBA from its limited audience of the 1970s and into the primary consciousness of the sports world – can be seen, though both Delle Donne and Griner pointed out that the two are friendly, hanging out. There’s no fixation from afar, as with Bird and Magic.

“The conversation, the rivalry, I guess you could call it, definitely helps,” Griner said, pointing out that she and Delle Donne play different positions.

Like Bird and Magic.

“That’s true, that’s true,” Griner said. “It’s always good when they talk about us.”

Magic Johnson Wants You to Know He Isn't Cured of HIV, He's Just Taking His Meds

What's one of the most persistent HIV-related myths? It would have to be the idea that, because Magic Johnson appears healthy, he must be cured of HIV. Sadly, the news that people living with HIV can take meds and stay healthy -- with a near-average life span -- has not yet trickled down to the general public.

Last year, the basketball legend appeared on Hip-Hop Nation on SiriusXM Radio where he shared a few things he wants the general public to know about his HIV status.

After recounting to host Renada Romain that, upon being diagnosed, he didn't know whether he would even be alive two decades later, Romain asked him to clear up some myths, especially the myth that he was cured of HIV.

He also addressed rumors that he had gone to Kenya (among various other nations) to see a witch doctor. For the record: He did not travel anywhere to see a witch doctor."I'm glad you brought this up, because first of all I do have it and have had it for 22 years. It's just laying asleep in my body. The drugs have done their part and I've done my part by exercising and having a positive attitude about having HIV," Johnson explained.

The real reason he looks so healthy? Johnson is just on HIV treatment, which is easier to tolerate and better at fighting HIV than ever before. "The same 30-something drugs are available to everybody else. I'm on three of them," Johnson said.

He takes his pills after dinner every day. His success has nothing to do with him being cured or seeing a medicine man.

Johnson also addressed his impact on the national conversation about HIV, as well as on conversations within the black community. He said, when it comes to HIV, he's been both a blessing and a curse. He felt that his healthy appearance and positive demeanor helped dispel HIV stigma, but also caused some people to take HIV less seriously.

Some of Johnson's rhetoric is a little unclear, and he may not have all his facts straight, but for those who still hold on to the belief that he may be cured, it's time to drop that mistaken notion.

Unfortunately, one issue that is not addressed in this radio interview is that black, gay men face some of the most alarming HIV rates in the country.

Magic Johnson to host golf event to raise scholarship funds

EAST LANSING – Imagine a day of golf coupled with a chance to meet Earvin “Magic” Johnson and other famous MSU alumni.

That’s the pitch being made by members of the Michigan State University Black Alumni Association as part of the first-ever MSUBA Classic Golf Outing. The event aims to raise money for the recently established Magic Johnson Scholarship Fund, which helps MSU students finance their college pursuits.

Given that many students drop out due to financial hardships, MSUBA officials say they are ensuring a lack of resources isn’t a limiting factor. MSUBA has provided more than $800,000 in donations to students in need, according to the group.

The inaugural MSUBA Golf Classic kicks off at 9 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Detroit Golf Club, 17911 Hamilton Road in Detroit. Those looking to register are asked to visit the MSUBA Classic website. Registration prices range from $2,500 for a foursome to $75,000 for a premiere sponsorship.

A sponsorship packet for the event can also be found online. A luncheon as well as a silent auction will take place following the outing.

Magic Johnson Fast Facts

CNN Library
(CNN) -- Here's a look at the life of entrepreneur, philanthropist and NBA Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson.

Personal:
Birth date: August 14, 1959

Birthplace: Lansing, Michigan

Birth name: Earvin Johnson, Jr.

Father: Earvin Johnson, Sr., an autoworker

Mother: Christine Johnson, a school custodian

Marriage: Earleatha "Cookie" Kelly (1991-present)

Children: with Cookie Kelly: Elisa, born and adopted January 1995, Earvin III, June 4, 1992; with Melissa Mitchell: Andre, February 20, 1981

Education: Attended Michigan State University, 1977-1979

Other facts:
Johnson is 6'9" tall.

The rivalry with Larry Bird, another NBA superstar, began in college. They became friends while shooting a Converse shoe commercial in 1984.

Helped the Lakers win five NBA championships, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988.

Was named NBA Most Valuable Player three times, 1987, 1989 and 1990.

Has explained that the way he contracted HIV was through sexual encounters with multiple female partners in the 1980s.

He is CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises which owns radio stations, movie theaters, magazines, real estate, a cable network, a bank, a minor league and a major league baseball team, partnerships with restaurants, Sony, Aetna, Best Buy and more.

Johnson is also chairman and CEO of the Magic Johnson Foundation which was created to assist in the fight against HIV/AIDS through awareness, prevention and education.

Timeline:
1974 - Earns the nickname "Magic" after a game his sophomore year of high school, in which he amasses 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Lansing State Journal sportswriter Fred Stabley, Jr. is the first to call him Magic.

1975-1977 - Is named to the All-State team and leads his team to a state championship. He's a nationally sought after commodity by college basketball programs and chooses Michigan State University in East Lansing.

1978 - The Michigan State Spartans win the Big Ten Championship.

March 26, 1979 - MSU wins its first NCAA Championship. The Spartans defeat Larry Bird and Indiana State University Sycamores, 75-64. Johnson is named MVP.

1979 - Leaves Michigan State to turn pro. He is the NBA first overall draft pick and is selected by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1980 - At 20 years old, Johnson is the youngest and the first rookie named Finals MVP. The Lakers win 4-2 over the Philadelphia 76ers.

1982 - Is named Finals MVP after a 4-2 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

1986 - The first annual Midsummer Night's Magic All-Star charity basketball game is held at UCLA. Players include Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan.

1987 - Is named Finals MVP for a 4-2 win over Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. He is also named League MVP.

1987 - Magic Johnson Enterprises is founded. Johnson is chairman and CEO.

1988 - Johnson's fifth NBA championship is the Lakers second championship win in two years, a 4-3 win over the Detroit Pistons.

November 7, 1991 - In a nationally televised press conference Johnson announces he is HIV positive and is retiring from the Lakers effective immediately.

November 1991 - Establishes the Magic Johnson Foundation which "works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities."

February 9, 1992 - Voted to the NBA All-Star game for the Western Conference by fans even though he had not played in a game that season. Is named MVP, with 25 points, three three-pointers, nine assists and five rebounds; the West beats the East 153-113.

February 16, 1992 - The Lakers officially retire his number 32 jersey.

August 8, 1992 - The U.S. Olympic basketball "Dream Team," the first U.S. Olympic team to include NBA players, wins the gold medal, beating Croatia 117-85 in the final game.

September 29, 1992 - Announces he will come out of retirement and play in the 1992-1993 season for the Lakers.

November 2, 1992 - Announces he is again retiring from basketball, due to the many NBA players voicing concern over possible health risks associated with such a high contact sport and Magic's HIV status.

November 3, 1992 - His autobiography, "My Life," is published.

March 23, 1993-April 24, 1994 - Head coach of the Lakers.

June 27, 1994 - Becomes 5% owner and vice president of the Lakers.

January 30, 1996 - Returns to NBA regular-season games for the Lakers. In his first game, the Lakers defeat the Golden State Warriors 128-118. NBA rules prohibit players from owning a team. Prior to his return, Johnson sells his interest in the team.

May 14, 1996 - Third, and final NBA retirement, "I am going out on my terms..."

October 1996 - Buys back the minority share of the team he sold to majority owner Jerry Buss earlier in the year.

September 27, 2002 - Is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Larry Bird introduces him.

November 4, 2009 - "When the Game Was Ours," a book co-authored by Johnson and Larry Bird, is released.

October 2010 - Sells his shares of the Lakers.

March 2012 - Along with the Guggenheim Partners, Johnson wins a bidding war to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2.15 billion.

April 11-May 12, 2012 - The play "Magic/Bird," the story of the rivalry and friendship of Johnson and Bird, is performed on Broadway.

June 2012 - Launches a new cable television network, Aspire.

February 5, 2014 - WNBA announces Johnson and a group of investors are purchasing franchise Los Angeles Sparks.