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.

Warriors' Draymond attends Dodgers game with Magic Johnson

Fresh off signing a brand-new five-year, $82 million deal with the Warriors, Draymond Green spent Saturday afternoon with another fellow Michigan State alum.

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson posted a photo on Instagram of him with Green at the Angels-Dodgers game at Chavez Ravine.

Green, a Saginaw, Michigan-native, is wearing a Dodgers hat.

The Dodgers' team photograph, Jon SooHoo, took a photo with Bay Area natives Jimmy Rollins and Joc Pederson.

The defensive star is the latest Warriors player to attend a major league baseball game as a special guest.

Last month, Warriors forward Harrison Barnes threw out the first pitch at the A's-Mariners game on July 2. Three days later, center Festus Ezeli performed the same act,

On Tuesday, June 23, Ezeli and James Michael McAdoo took in a Giants-Padres game at AT&T Park. They met Bruce Bochy and Hunter Pence, and received autographed bats. Ezeli also threw out the first pitch prior to the game.

On Friday, May 29, Curry, wife Ayesha and parents Dell and Sonya attended the Giants home game against the Braves. They posed for a photo with Hall of Famer Willie Mays and sat front-row for the game.

“It was cool,” Giants catcher Buster Posey said that night of Curry's attendance. “You could tell there was a little extra electricity. Everybody was excited he was here. I got to speak to him really quickly right before the game. I’m definitely pulling for him, for all of them.”

Two days later, despite battling a concussion suffered in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Rockets, Klay Thompson made an appearance at the A's-Yankees game in Oakland and tipped his A's hat to the crowd.