A look at Earvin "Magic" Johnson with Michigan State, the Los Angeles Lakers

Lansing State Journal
Earvin "Magic" Johnson in February of his sophomore year at Michigan State University in 1979.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson in February of his sophomore year at Michigan State University in 1979.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson talks to MSU basketball associate head coach Tom Izzo after a basketball playing workout, at MSU’s Breslin Center, September, 1992.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson talks to MSU basketball associate head coach Tom Izzo after a basketball playing workout, at MSU’s Breslin Center, September, 1992.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson playing in a Lansing Everett High School game, 1977.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson playing in a Lansing Everett High School game, 1977.
Courtesy Photo/Associated Press/Dale Atkins
Earvin "Magic" Johnson (second from right) led his Everett High team in a legendary high school game in Jenison Field House against Jay Vincent and Eastern High in February 1977. Johnson and Vincent went on to star together at Jenison at MSU.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson (second from right) led his Everett High team in a legendary high school game in Jenison Field House against Jay Vincent and Eastern High in February 1977. Johnson and Vincent went on to star together at Jenison at MSU.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
MSU head basketball coach Jud Heathcote with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, and Jay Vincent, right, in 1977.
MSU head basketball coach Jud Heathcote with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, and Jay Vincent, right, in 1977.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
The 1977 Class A state champion Everett Vikings: (from left) Dale Beard, Tony Daniel, Dean Hartley, Phil Rogers, Paul Dawson, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Larry Hunter, Jamie Huffman, Mark Kosloski, Leon Stokes, Bruce Fields. Missing: James Lauderdale. Front, head coach George Fox (left) and assistant coach Pat Holland.
The 1977 Class A state champion Everett Vikings: (from left) Dale Beard, Tony Daniel, Dean Hartley, Phil Rogers, Paul Dawson, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Larry Hunter, Jamie Huffman, Mark Kosloski, Leon Stokes, Bruce Fields. Missing: James Lauderdale. Front, head coach George Fox (left) and assistant coach Pat Holland.
Courtesy Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the 1979 Big Ten season at MSU.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the 1979 Big Ten season at MSU.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Michigan State's Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs Terry Donnelly after the Spartans beat Notre Dame, 80-68, to win the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship game in Indianapolis on Sunday, March 18, 1979.
Michigan State's Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs Terry Donnelly after the Spartans beat Notre Dame, 80-68, to win the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship game in Indianapolis on Sunday, March 18, 1979.
Associated Press
After losing to Kentucky on March 18, 1978, in the NCAA Mideast Regional final, Earvin "Magic" Johnson (left) decided to return to Michigan State for his sophomore season.
After losing to Kentucky on March 18, 1978, in the NCAA Mideast Regional final, Earvin "Magic" Johnson (left) decided to return to Michigan State for his sophomore season.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Indiana State's Larry Bird (33) gives a helping hand to a fallen Earvin "Magic" Johnson of Michigan State during the final game of the NCAA men's basketball championship in Salt Lake City in March 26, 1979. Because of the match-up of Bird vs. Magic, it became known as the game that changed college basketball.
Indiana State's Larry Bird (33) gives a helping hand to a fallen Earvin "Magic" Johnson of Michigan State during the final game of the NCAA men's basketball championship in Salt Lake City in March 26, 1979. Because of the match-up of Bird vs. Magic, it became known as the game that changed college basketball.
Associated Press
Earvin "Magic" Johnson smiles at the referee as he gets a foul called on him during the NCAA championship game on March 26, 1979 at Salt Lake City, Utah. At right is Indiana State's Larry Bird.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson smiles at the referee as he gets a foul called on him during the NCAA championship game on March 26, 1979 at Salt Lake City, Utah. At right is Indiana State's Larry Bird.
Associated Press
MSU's Earvin "Magic" Johnson slams one home as he collides with Indiana State's Bob Heaton during their NCAA championship game in Salt Lake City on March 26, 1979.
MSU's Earvin "Magic" Johnson slams one home as he collides with Indiana State's Bob Heaton during their NCAA championship game in Salt Lake City on March 26, 1979.
Associated Press
Michigan State's Earvin "Magic" Johnson raises his finger to indicate the Spartans are number one after defeating Larry Bird's Indiana State team 75-64 to win the NCAA Championship in Salt Lake City, March 26, 1979.
Michigan State's Earvin "Magic" Johnson raises his finger to indicate the Spartans are number one after defeating Larry Bird's Indiana State team 75-64 to win the NCAA Championship in Salt Lake City, March 26, 1979.
Associated Press
Earvin "Magic" Johnson of Michigan State participates in victory ceremonies as the net comes down after they defeated Indiana State 75-64 to win the NCAA championship, March 26, 1979 in Salt Lake City. Johnson was named the tournament's most valuable player.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson of Michigan State participates in victory ceremonies as the net comes down after they defeated Indiana State 75-64 to win the NCAA championship, March 26, 1979 in Salt Lake City. Johnson was named the tournament's most valuable player.
Associated Press
Michigan State players Greg Kelser, left, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, center, and Terry Donnelly listen to Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote during a news conference, in this MSU file photo.
Michigan State players Greg Kelser, left, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, center, and Terry Donnelly listen to Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote during a news conference, in this MSU file photo.
Detroit Free Press
Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Greg Kelser check out the crowd at the Parade of Champions, March 28, 1979.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Greg Kelser check out the crowd at the Parade of Champions, March 28, 1979.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Jaimie "Shoes" Huffman and Earvin "Magic" Johnson at a Welcome Back MSU celebration at Jenison Fieldhouse, March 27, 1979.
Jaimie "Shoes" Huffman and Earvin "Magic" Johnson at a Welcome Back MSU celebration at Jenison Fieldhouse, March 27, 1979.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
In this March 25, 1979 file photo, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, of Michigan State, and Larry Bird of Indiana State during a news conference in Salt Lake City.
In this March 25, 1979 file photo, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, left, of Michigan State, and Larry Bird of Indiana State during a news conference in Salt Lake City.
Courtesy Photo (AP Photo/Jerome McLendon)
Lansing native Earvin "Magic" Johnson is mobbed by fans after returning victorious from the 1979 NCAA basketball championship game.
Lansing native Earvin "Magic" Johnson is mobbed by fans after returning victorious from the 1979 NCAA basketball championship game.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson flashes a smile as he addresses the crowd at a Welcome Back MSU celebration at Jenison Fieldhouse, March 27, 1979.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson flashes a smile as he addresses the crowd at a Welcome Back MSU celebration at Jenison Fieldhouse, March 27, 1979.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
MSU head basketball coach Jud Heathcote with Earvin "Magic" Johnson at game vs. Notre Dame, 1979.
MSU head basketball coach Jud Heathcote with Earvin "Magic" Johnson at game vs. Notre Dame, 1979.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson makes a save during a pickup game on a basketball court in Lansing, July 1993.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson makes a save during a pickup game on a basketball court in Lansing, July 1993.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
In this May 17, 1980 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs team owner Jerry Buss in the locker room after they won the 1980 NBA championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
In this May 17, 1980 file photo, Los Angeles Lakers Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs team owner Jerry Buss in the locker room after they won the 1980 NBA championship against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia.
Gene Pushkar/Associated Press
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is momentarily stumped by a question from the kids at his basketball camp in Lansing, date unknown.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson is momentarily stumped by a question from the kids at his basketball camp in Lansing, date unknown.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Hall of Famer Al Kaline joined Earvin "Magic" Johnson at the Magic Classic at Walnut Hills Golf Club June 20, 1994. The Classic raised more than $40,000 dollars for the Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund.
Hall of Famer Al Kaline joined Earvin "Magic" Johnson at the Magic Classic at Walnut Hills Golf Club June 20, 1994. The Classic raised more than $40,000 dollars for the Lansing Youth and Recreation Fund.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan tries to block Los Angeles Lakers' Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the NBA Finals in Chicago June 3, 1991.
Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan tries to block Los Angeles Lakers' Earvin "Magic" Johnson during the NBA Finals in Chicago June 3, 1991.
Florida Today
Los Angeles Lakers' Earvin "Magic" Johnson shoots over the arm of Houston Rockets' Robert Horry in the second quarter, Saturday, April 27, 1996, in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs in Inglewood, Calif.
Los Angeles Lakers' Earvin "Magic" Johnson shoots over the arm of Houston Rockets' Robert Horry in the second quarter, Saturday, April 27, 1996, in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs in Inglewood, Calif.
Associated Press/Eric Draper
Los Angeles Lakers' forward/guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson (12) celebrates a shot during the second period of his game against the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday , Feb. 14, 1996 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Johnson scored his first triple-double since returning to the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers' forward/guard Earvin "Magic" Johnson (12) celebrates a shot during the second period of his game against the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday , Feb. 14, 1996 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. Johnson scored his first triple-double since returning to the NBA.
Associated Press/Damian Dovarganes
Earvin "Magic" Johnson in his office at Magic Johnson Enterprises located in Beverly Hills California, Dec. 14, 1998.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson in his office at Magic Johnson Enterprises located in Beverly Hills California, Dec. 14, 1998.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Muhammad Ali, left, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson shake hands at the One Hundred Black Men, Inc.18th Annual Benefit Dinner Dance, Nov. 12, 1997, in New York. The former boxing and basketball greats were part of a group honored for achievement in sports, entrepreneurship and entertainment at the event. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
Muhammad Ali, left, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson shake hands at the One Hundred Black Men, Inc.18th Annual Benefit Dinner Dance, Nov. 12, 1997, in New York. The former boxing and basketball greats were part of a group honored for achievement in sports, entrepreneurship and entertainment at the event. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
Associated Press/Stuart Ramson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs his former Lansing Everett High School counselor, Frances Byrd, right, during grand opening celebrations of the Starbucks Coffee store in East Lansing, Sept. 29, 1999, a joint venture between Starbucks and Johnson Development Corporation. At left is Wanda Herndon of Starbucks.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson hugs his former Lansing Everett High School counselor, Frances Byrd, right, during grand opening celebrations of the Starbucks Coffee store in East Lansing, Sept. 29, 1999, a joint venture between Starbucks and Johnson Development Corporation. At left is Wanda Herndon of Starbucks.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson has fun with the crowd at the Breslin Center during the Magic Johnson All-Stars exhibition game against the MSU Spartans, Nov. 6, 2001.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson has fun with the crowd at the Breslin Center during the Magic Johnson All-Stars exhibition game against the MSU Spartans, Nov. 6, 2001.
Chris Holmes, Copyright 2001 The Lansing State Journal;Yes
Earvin "Magic" Johnson congratulates Marcus Taylor for leading the Spartans to victory over Magic's All-Stars team, Nov. 6, 2001.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson congratulates Marcus Taylor for leading the Spartans to victory over Magic's All-Stars team, Nov. 6, 2001.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson talks to young admirers in the rain at Lansing's Black Child and Family Institute Thursday after the dedication ceremonies for the Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center at the institute, May 15, 2003.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson talks to young admirers in the rain at Lansing's Black Child and Family Institute Thursday after the dedication ceremonies for the Magic Johnson/HP Inventor Center at the institute, May 15, 2003.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson poses for photos and talks with friends and family after the unveiling of a bronze statue of him outside the Breslin Student Center, Nov. 1, 2003.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson poses for photos and talks with friends and family after the unveiling of a bronze statue of him outside the Breslin Student Center, Nov. 1, 2003.
Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal
Earvin "Magic" Johnson sits down on the bench and laughs at something Larry Bird says as Bird's ten-year-old daughter Mariah, watches. Johnson played against the Spartans Sunday as a walk-on while Bird was named an honorary coach, Nov. 2, 2003.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson sits down on the bench and laughs at something Larry Bird says as Bird's ten-year-old daughter Mariah, watches. Johnson played against the Spartans Sunday as a walk-on while Bird was named an honorary coach, Nov. 2, 2003.
Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal
Tom Izzo and Earvin "Magic" Johnson before the unveiling of the statue, Nov. 1, 2003.
Tom Izzo and Earvin "Magic" Johnson before the unveiling of the statue, Nov. 1, 2003.
Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal
(from left) Terry Donnelly, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Mike Brkovich and Jud Heathcote touch the crystal basketball that is part of the new 1979 National Championship Trophy  during a halftime celebration of the 30th anniversary of their title, Feb. 22, 2009 in East Lansing.
(from left) Terry Donnelly, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Mike Brkovich and Jud Heathcote touch the crystal basketball that is part of the new 1979 National Championship Trophy during a halftime celebration of the 30th anniversary of their title, Feb. 22, 2009 in East Lansing.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is congratulated by former Michigan State player Earvin "Magic" Johnson after MSU's 70-69 win over Tennessee in the NCAA Midwest Regional college basketball championship game, March 28, 2009, in St. Louis.
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is congratulated by former Michigan State player Earvin "Magic" Johnson after MSU's 70-69 win over Tennessee in the NCAA Midwest Regional college basketball championship game, March 28, 2009, in St. Louis.
Associated Press/Jeff Roberson
Former Michigan State player Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Cookie, pose for a photo as they arrive for the semifinal game between Michigan State and Connecticut at the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball tournament Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Detroit.
Former Michigan State player Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Cookie, pose for a photo as they arrive for the semifinal game between Michigan State and Connecticut at the men's NCAA Final Four college basketball tournament Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Detroit.
Carlos Osorio/Associated Press
MSU fans including Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Jud Heathcote look on as Butler pulls ahead during their  Final Four game, April 3, 2010.
MSU fans including Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Jud Heathcote look on as Butler pulls ahead during their Final Four game, April 3, 2010.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
MSU Trustee, Joel Ferguson and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, talk during the MSU fall commencement ceremony, Dec. 11, 2010.
MSU Trustee, Joel Ferguson and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, talk during the MSU fall commencement ceremony, Dec. 11, 2010.
Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, smiles as he is given an honorary doctorate degree in business at the MSU Fall commencement, Dec. 11, 2010.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, smiles as he is given an honorary doctorate degree in business at the MSU Fall commencement, Dec. 11, 2010.
Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal
Zack Greinke (center) poses with Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti (left) and co-owner Earvin "Magic" Johnson at press conference to announce Greinke's signing as a free agent pitcher at Dodger Stadium, Dec. 11, 2012.
Zack Greinke (center) poses with Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti (left) and co-owner Earvin "Magic" Johnson at press conference to announce Greinke's signing as a free agent pitcher at Dodger Stadium, Dec. 11, 2012.
Kirby Lee/Image Of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Earvin “Magic” Johnson gets ready to take part in the ESPN broadcast of the MSU-Indiana men's basketball game with Mike Tirico (left) and Dick Vitale at the Breslin Center, Feb. 19, 2013.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson gets ready to take part in the ESPN broadcast of the MSU-Indiana men's basketball game with Mike Tirico (left) and Dick Vitale at the Breslin Center, Feb. 19, 2013.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is greeted by students at Lansing’s Pattengill Middle School during a 2014 visit. Magic is to Lansing and mid-Michigan as LeBron is to Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is greeted by students at Lansing’s Pattengill Middle School during a 2014 visit. Magic is to Lansing and mid-Michigan as LeBron is to Akron and Northeast Ohio.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson directs loading bags and boxes of food to Lansing School District families as part of the Magic Johnson Foundation Holiday Hope event at Everett High School, Dec. 1, 2014.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson directs loading bags and boxes of food to Lansing School District families as part of the Magic Johnson Foundation Holiday Hope event at Everett High School, Dec. 1, 2014.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson steps down off the stage to speak to the hundreds at the fundraiser for the Lansing Promise program, April 30, 2015.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson steps down off the stage to speak to the hundreds at the fundraiser for the Lansing Promise program, April 30, 2015.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
“I told you we were gonna do this!” says Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as he greets Lansing Schools Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul before the fundraiser for the Lansing Promise scholarship program, April 30, 2015.
“I told you we were gonna do this!” says Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as he greets Lansing Schools Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul before the fundraiser for the Lansing Promise scholarship program, April 30, 2015.
Lansing State Journal File Photo
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, right, and his wife, Cookie, left, stand with plaques awarded to them by Promise Scholarship recipients Taylor DeBerry, center left, and James Curry at the third annual Lansing Promise Dinner on April 27, 2017.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson, right, and his wife, Cookie, left, stand with plaques awarded to them by Promise Scholarship recipients Taylor DeBerry, center left, and James Curry at the third annual Lansing Promise Dinner on April 27, 2017.
Lansing State Journal File Photo