Magic Johnson is a former NBA point guard and member of the 1992 Olympic ‘Dream Team’. He is now one of the most widely recognized advocates for HIV/AIDS, and his bravery in going public with his diagnosis has helped to dispel stereotypes about the disease. Get all of the latest Magic Johnson news here!
Magic Johnson is widely considered one of the best point guards of all time. In his 13 seasons in the NBA, he led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships. He had three NBA Finals MVP awards, three NBA MVP awards, and was a part of twelve NBA All-Star teams, among many other accolades. He won an Olympic Gold Medal with the 1992 USA Men’s Basketball Team, and in 2019, he was awarded the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award.
After a routine physical before the 1991–1992 NBA season, Magic was informed that he had contracted HIV. After his diagnosis, he made a public announcement that he would retire immediately and suggested that he likely contracted the disease after having multiple sexual partners. He urged the public to look past the stereotype that only homosexual males could contract the disease and that heterosexual men needed to be aware of the dangers. He returned to play at the 1992 All-Star Game and on the Olympic ‘Dream Team’, and retired again, only to return four years later in 1996. He officially retired after that season.
Thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, Magic continues to thrive and live a fulfilling life with his wife Cookie Johnson and his children EJ Johnson, Andre Johnson, and Elisa Johnson.
