At 62, the basketball legend has decided to tell every detail of his life in Me llaman Magic Johnson , an Apple miniseries that will show in four episodes how it managed to redefine sports and transform it into one of the most profitable businesses in the world of entertainment. Today owner of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a corporation valued at more than 650 million euros, and also an investor in several teams, Johnson is considered one of the best players in NBA history after having won ten championships for the Lakers, five as player and five others during his time as team owner.
The legacy
“I love that they say that I was a catalyst for the NBA to become a company”
Why do you feel this is the time to tell your story?
As soon as it premiered The last dance , the series about Michael Jordan, my phone started receiving calls from all over the world asking me when I was going to be the one to tell my story. I think it has never been told before, although there were people who tried it, but the result was not close to the truth. Now I have been able to tell how my evolution was, growing up in Lansing (Michigan), going to college at Michigan State and then playing for the Lakers. Later I became an entrepreneur. I also talk about when I announced that he had AIDS 30 years ago, and when my son EJ revealed that he was gay. My life had many facets and it’s interesting how I went from the basketball court to the boardroom. The audience will be able to see the good and the bad moments of my life. And this is a good time to do it because the world is ready for it.
Reviewing your own history, what did you discover about yourself?
I think I already knew everything about myself, but I found out what the image that others have of me is: how I played basketball, how I am as a man, as a husband, father and businessman. That maybe surprised me, but not about what happened to me in my life. What does strike me is how I have been able to grow as an individual. I never thought I would be where I am today. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would be known all over the world, that I would win all those championships with the Lakers or that I would become a successful businessman. One cannot imagine so big. And that still shocks me.
How long did it take you to feel comfortable being an example to others?
I still don’t feel comfortable with that place. I understand that I am and I always try to do things the right way. I am aware of what I do and I am clear that my actions will have an impact on others. But still, I enjoy being an example, and I try to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In the series there are many who say that I was a catalyst for the NBA to become a company, and I love that. I enjoy opening doors for others and showing that you can be successful outside of the sport you love to play. But sometimes being an example makes me a little uncomfortable because all the time I have to be aware that I am doing things right.
The style
“I played with passion every night; I never cheated and I left my mark winning”
When did you realize that your way of playing became the image of the NBA?
I would say that was when Larry Bird and I met for that first championship in 1984. It was interesting to see the interest from across the country increase in watching our games. And then in 1985 we played again and people tuned back in because they wanted to see the Celtics against the Lakers, but also because they wanted to see Larry Bird against Magic Johnson. That’s how we managed to make the league what it is today. In the series you will hear Michael Jordan saying the same thing, that I changed the league. It was amazing to hear him say that. I think it was Larry and I who changed the way basketball was viewed in America, but then Michael managed to take the league to a higher level.
What do you think is the legacy you left to basketball?
I brought the winning mentality, the willingness to win and the determination to make your teammates look their best. My way of loving sports and my desire to compete. I played with passion, enjoying every night. I left my life on the track. I never cheated and I still have the same passion. I love to watch basketball. I think I made my mark by winning, playing the right way.
What do you think fans will learn about you from watching the series?
That I am an emotional person. That I really love my wife and my family, and that I missed out on one of the best contracts in history by not signing with Nike and losing all those shares in 1978. You’re going to see how I grew up through the story of my parents and my brothers. What kind of boy was he, if he was a good brother… things that were never told, especially by members of my family. You are going to listen to my teammates and that is very important. There are many unpublished stories and images. Apple has done a wonderful job of acquiring all that material to be able to use it in the series.
What would you say have been your biggest challenges on and off the field of play?
On the field of play it was always about winning more championships and beating my two rivals, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. I never managed to beat Jordan in the NBA finals. We only played once and he won. But I did beat both of them in other circumstances, I was able to play at a very high level and win championships. And then, off the field, I never imagined that I would still be here 30 years later. When I announced that I had contracted HIV, that was a death sentence. I think my biggest challenge in life has been keeping it. Being able to continue being here.
If you had to choose the best moment of your basketball career, what would it be?
That is easy. When the Dream Team won the gold medal in Barcelona’92, playing with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. There was nothing better than that.
Who are the rivals you played against and that you respect the most?
Larry Bird, for his ability to shoot and his intelligence playing basketball. Michael Jordan, with his unique way of jumping and just floating in the air to create so many beautiful shots, and also the way he dominated every time he was on the field. I also have to mention Kobe Bryant and his mentality mamba . Those are the three that I cannot fail to mention.
