Earvin or Magic Johnson, the 6 feet 9 inches basketball star who led the Los Angeles Lakers to its five championships in the NBA. Wondering about the first name? He got this name in high school for his amazing and creative ball-handling techniques. He was the first-ever rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award in 1979-80.
Early in 1980-81s, he suffered a torn cartilage in his left knee sidelining him from the game for 100 days. He was just 21 and had the only long-term injury of his basketball career. But not to forget it changed all plans for the Lakers. This made him miss 45 games in his career but the Lakers still managed an impressive 54-28 record during the regular season.
Soon after this in November 1981 the Lakers legend signed a $25 million, 25-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers making it the longest and richest deal in sports history. Soon after this Magic asked to be traded or fire coach Westhead. Ultimately, Jerry Buss, the owner, fulfilled his wish and replaced the coach with Pat Riley.
Magic Johnson missed 45 games in his career
Magic Johnson‘s most difficult injury as a player was the one he suffered in 1981 which made him miss 45 games. He remembers the time of his rehabilitation as the ‘most down‘ he ever had. In the 1989 NBA finals, Magic suffered an injury in his hamstring. The Pistons had a 2–0 series lead but knew it would be tough going in L.A.
Although Johnson tried to play, the pain was too much and he left Game 3 after just five minutes with the Lakers leading, 11–8. Without Magic, the Lakers made a heroic effort that day, despite which Detroit Pistons emerged as champions in the Finals that year. That day Magic was not the only one to get a hamstring injury, another setback was the hamstring injury to Byron Scott which is believed to have derailed the Lakers that finals.
Magic shocked the world by announcing his retirement in 1991, after an illustrious 13 seasons career with Los Angeles Lakers. He revealed to the world that he was HIV positive but his magic was not yet over. He made a comeback in the 95-96 season as a player and averaged 15 points, seven assists and 6 rebounds per game which was quite impressive.
He averaged 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in 906 regular games. He played in 11 all-star games, winning 3 MVP awards, 3 Finals MVP awards, and 5 NBA championships. The basketball champion was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002. The Lakers legend enjoyed a fulfilling career and is now a billionaire businessman dedicating his life to fighting this disease and helping others.