Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Larry Bird (l.) and Magic Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson was, at 6 ft., 9 inches (2.06 m), the tallest point guard in NBA history. He spent his entire 13-year professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers, and during his time with them achieved virtually every goal a pro hoopster can hope for. He played on five championship teams, won the MVP and the Finals MVP three times each, was a 12-time All-Star and played on the All-NBA first team nine times. And he even took home an Olympic gold medal as part of the Dream Team in 1992. Johnson's nickname came from the magic he performed on the court and it was given to him when he was still in high school. A sportswriter who watched the 15-year-old make 36 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists referred to him by the name "Magic" Johnson, and the moniker stuck. Happy birthday to basketball legend Magic Johnson, who turns 50 today.

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From our Archives: Today's Highlights, August 14, 2009