10 Powerful Facts About Magic Johnson – Career Stats, Net Worth, Family & More (2025)
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is more than just a former NBA superstar—he’s a cultural icon, savvy businessman, philanthropist, and family man. With a career that reshaped basketball and a life that continues to inspire, Magic’s journey is a unique blend of athletic greatness and entrepreneurial genius. This article explores Magic Johnson’s career stats, net worth, personal life, children including EJ Johnson, his height, movie appearances, and even his iconic rivalry with Larry Bird.
📊 Magic Johnson Career Stats
he was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and instantly became one of the greatest point guards the game has ever seen. Known for his dazzling no-look passes, basketball IQ, and versatility, Magic played 13 seasons in the NBA.
Career highlights:
- Games played: 906
- Points per game: 19.5
- Assists per game: 11.2
- Rebounds per game: 7.2
- Steals per game: 1.9
- Triple-doubles: 138 (3rd all-time in NBA history)
He led the Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980s and was named NBA Finals MVP three times. Johnson also made 12 All-Star appearances and won three regular-season MVP awards.
💰 Magic Johnson Net Worth
As of 2025, Magic Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be over $650 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
After retiring, Magic transitioned into business with remarkable success. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has investments in real estate, movie theaters, Starbucks franchises, and even a stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers. His entrepreneurial journey is a model of how athletes can thrive beyond the court.
👦 EJ Johnson – Magic Johnson’s Son
EJ Johnson, born in 1992, is Magic Johnson’s most publicly known child. EJ rose to fame through the reality show “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills” and has become a prominent figure in fashion and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
EJ’s relationship with his father has become a celebrated example of acceptance and love, especially after EJ came out publicly in 2013. Magic has frequently expressed pride and unconditional support for his son.
👨👩👧👦 Magic Johnson Kids
Magic Johnson has three children:
- Andre Johnson (from a previous relationship)
- EJ Johnson
- Elisa Johnson (adopted daughter with his wife Cookie)
Magic remains deeply involved in his children’s lives and has spoken extensively about fatherhood, family values, and support in interviews and public speaking engagements.
💍 Magic Johnson Wife – Cookie Johnson
Earletha “Cookie” Johnson has been married to Magic since 1991. Their relationship is often cited as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and inspirational marriages. Cookie stood by Magic during his most challenging moment—his public announcement in 1991 that he was HIV positive.
She is also a successful businesswoman and author of the memoir “Believing in Magic”, which offers deep insight into their life, struggles, and love.
📏 Magic Johnson Height
Magic Johnson stood out on the court not just for his skill but also for his size. At 6 feet 9 inches tall (2.06 meters), he was incredibly tall for a point guard. His height gave him an unprecedented court vision and advantage in rebounds, making him a unique threat at every position.
🏀 Magic Johnson Dates Joined the NBA
Magic Johnson joined the NBA in 1979, drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the #1 overall pick. That same year, he won his first NBA championship and became the only rookie in history to win the NBA Finals MVP award.
He retired in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV but made a brief return in the 1995-96 season, playing 32 more games before retiring permanently.
🎬 Magic Johnson Movie & Media Appearances
Magic Johnson has appeared in multiple films, documentaries, and shows, showcasing both his sports legacy and personality. Notable appearances include:
- “The Magic Moment” (ESPN 30 for 30) – chronicling his career
- “They Call Me Magic” (Apple TV+, 2022) – an in-depth docuseries on his life
- Guest roles on “The Arsenio Hall Show”, “Oprah”, and “The Simpsons”
His story has also been partially depicted in “Winning Time” (HBO), a dramatized series about the Lakers dynasty.
🤑 Larry Bird Net Worth – The Rival & Friend
Magic Johnson’s on-court rival and eventual friend, Larry Bird, is also a legendary figure in NBA history. Bird’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million. While Bird didn’t pivot into business as aggressively as Magic, he served as a successful NBA executive for the Indiana Pacers and has various endorsement deals.
The Magic Johnson vs Larry Bird rivalry defined the NBA in the 1980s, bringing the league into the mainstream. Their competitive fire turned into mutual respect and lifelong friendship.
👨👦 The Magic & EJ Johnson Relationship
Magic Johnson’s support for EJ Johnson is more than just fatherly love—it’s a cultural statement. As EJ became a fashion icon and reality TV star, Magic openly voiced support for LGBTQ+ rights, becoming a rare figure in the sports world to advocate for inclusion and acceptance.
This relationship has been covered in major interviews and was a central topic in Magic’s docuseries, reinforcing his role not just as a sports legend but a role model off the court.
🏛️ Magic Johnson’s Influence Beyond the Game
From owning movie theaters to leading HIV/AIDS awareness efforts, Magic’s legacy is wide-reaching. He has worked closely with former Presidents on public health campaigns and continues to be a mentor for young entrepreneurs, especially in urban communities.
📌 Quick Facts About Magic Johnson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. |
| Born | August 14, 1959 |
| NBA Debut | 1979 (Los Angeles Lakers) |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Net Worth | $650+ million |
| Wife | Cookie Johnson (married since 1991) |
| Children | Andre, EJ, and Elisa Johnson |
| Movie/Doc Series | They Call Me Magic (Apple TV+) |
| Rival | Larry Bird |
| Business Ventures | Starbucks, Lakers, Dodgers, Real Estate |
🎯 Final Thoughts
Magic Johnson isn’t just a basketball player—he’s a living blueprint for greatness, reinvention, and resilience. From his legendary career stats to his evolving legacy as a businessman and advocate, his story continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Whether you’re a basketball fan, entrepreneur, or someone navigating life’s challenges, Magic Johnson’s journey reminds us that the true measure of greatness extends far beyond the court.
FaQs
1. What are Magic Johnson’s career stats?
Magic Johnson retired with 17,707 points (19.5 ppg), 6,559 rebounds (7.2 rpg), and 10,141 assists (11.2 apg) over 906 regular season games Erie News Now+12Jake Kelfer+12Reddit+12Yahoo Sports+5Wikipedia+5Reddit+5. He holds the NBA’s all-time record for highest average assists per game in both the regular season (11.19) and playoffs (12.35), and recorded 138 career triple‑doubles, ranking among the top in NBA history Wikipedia+1Kiddle+1.
2. What is Magic Johnson’s net worth?
Recent estimates place Magic Johnson’s net worth at around $1.5 billion as of mid-2025, owing to his successful investments through Magic Johnson Enterprises, ventures spanning real estate, theaters, sports teams, and media assets KiddleErie News Now.
3. How is Magic Johnson managing his health since his HIV diagnosis?
After announcing he was HIV-positive in November 1991, Magic adopted a strict medical regimen—regular doctor visits, maintaining a high T-cell count, and exercising daily (often starting before 4 a.m.) to stay fit. He credits this discipline and the support of his wife for his longevity and overall well-being CBS News+9People.com+9Erie News Now+9.
4. Who are Magic Johnson’s children?
Magic has three children:
- Andre Johnson, his eldest son from a prior relationship,
- EJ (Earvin III), born in 1992, and
- Elisa, his adopted daughter with his wife Cookie.
Magic coalesces his parenting around support, open communication, and inclusion, especially with EJ becoming a public figure.
5. Who is Magic Johnson’s wife and when did they marry?
He married Earletha “Cookie” Johnson in 1991, shortly after his HIV diagnosis. Cookie has remained a steadfast partner and advocate, co-founding the Magic Johnson Foundation and authoring a memoir, Believing in Magic, about their journey together through personal and public challenges CBS NewsKiddle.
6. How tall is Magic Johnson?
At 6 ft 9 inches (2.06 m), Magic was exceptionally tall for a point guard—a physical advantage that, combined with elite court vision, allowed him to dominate as a passer, rebounder, and facilitator.