Magic Johnson

THE ATHLETE

MAGIC JOHNSON

Lakers Legend, Survivor

photographed by BEN BAKER

IN GAME 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, rookie Earvin “Magic” Johnson started at center and played all five positions, leading the “Showtime” Lakers to a stunning victory and the first of his five championships. He abruptly retired in 1991 after contracting HIV but became the face of the fight against the virus. Later, his Magic Johnson Enterprises brought theaters and Starbucks outlets to Black neighborhoods. Today, Johnson has ownership stakes in the Dodgers and the WNBA’s Sparks, and continues to be a model of enlightened entrepreneurship. —JON REGARDIE