Magic Johnson Through the Years

Magic Johnson Through the Years
1. Magic Johnson shares a laugh with old rival Isiah Thomas as both are named among the NBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1997.
2.The Lakers' trio of (from left) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Magic Johnson powered L.A.'s runs in the 1980s.
3.Three months after retiring, fans vote Johnson into the 1992 All-Star Game in Orlando, where he is voted MVP.
4.Magic Johnson became the NBA's all-time assist leader on April 15, 1991 against Dallas, surpassing Oscar Robertson.
5.During Larry Bird night on Feb. 4, 1993, Magic Johnson shares a laugh with his former rival.
6.Magic Johnson returns to the NBA, albeit as a coach, in the 1993-94 season. It's hardly a successful venture as L.A. goes 5-11 under his direction.
7.The master of the no-look assist, Magic Johnson victimizes the Kings on the fast break.
8.Magic Johnson was named MVP of the 1980 NBA Finals after his inspiring performance in Game 6 against Philly.
9.After losing in the first round of the 1981 Playoffs, Johnson again wins Finals MVP as L.A. beats Philly in 1982 for the title.
10.In his first of three Finals matchups against the Celtics, Magic Johnson and the Lakers lost in Game 7 of the 1984 series.
11.After winning it all in 1982, Johnson (left) and the Lakers were swept by Moses Malone and the Sixers in the 1983 Finals.
12.After their loss in the 1984 Finals to Boston, the Lakers avenged the defeat, topping the Celtics in Game 6 for the title.
13.Magic Johnson and the Lakers meet with former President Ronald Reagan after winning the 1985 NBA title.
14.Magic Johnson is all smiles as he clutches the Finals MVP trophy after the Lakers beat the Celtics for the 1987 title.
15.Magic Johnson and coach Pat Riley hug after the Lakers clinched their second straight title by beating the Pistons in the 1988 Finals
16.The Lakers made one last Finals appearance under Johnson, reaching the 1991 series, where they lost to the Bulls, 4-1.
17.Magic Johnson speaks as he is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 27, 2002.
18.In a Nov. 7, 1991 news conference, Magic Johnson announces his retirement due after being diagnosed as HIV positive.
19.Isiah Thomas (right) and the Pistons swept L.A. in the 1989 Finals, ended Magic Johnson's hopes of a three-peat.
20.Magic Johnson poses with his framed jersey as his No. 32 is retired by the Lakers on Feb. 16, 1992.
21.With averages of 23.9 ppg, 12.3 apg and 6.3 rpg, Magic Johnson won the first of his three MVPs in 1987.
22.Johnson won his second career MVP in 1989 after averaging 22.5 ppg and a career-best 12.8 rpg that season.
23.Magic Johnson was named MVP for the 1989-90 season, his second straight, by edging out Charles Barkley for the award.
24.After a four-year retirement, Johnson returns to the NBA on Jan. 29, 1996 against the Warriors and nearly posts a triple-double in the game.
25.Magic Johnson and Pat Riley talk strategy during a game in 1981. Under Riley, Johnson and the Lakers won four titles.
26.As a rookie with the Lakers in 1979-80, Magic Johnson made the All-Rookie First Team and helped L.A. to 60 wins.
27.Magic Johnson celebrates the Lakers' 2002 championship with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal.
28.Magic Johnson waves to the crowd during the celebration for the Lakers' 2009 NBA championship.

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