Mvp

Among the leading players of National Basketball Association (NBA), there are only a few players whose greatness and tenacity can be equated to that of Earvin "Magic" Johnson. A hero in the record books of NBA, his 12-year spanned professional career, his five NBA national titles, and even his many most valuable player (MVP) awards are second tier compared to the well-known on court rivalries that helped bring the NBA to the fore front of the mass media. Since retiring from the NBA, Magic has rejuvenated his career and his image as a successful businessman and spokesman for AIDS awareness. Contributing his time, money, fame, and efforts, he now focuses on revitalizing ignored, poverty stricken communities by providing featured entertainment and services, and well needed new housing while continuing to raise money for community based institutions that deal with educating and preventing HIV/AIDS programs. Magic is a natural born leader that proves through his life and experiences that the game of life isn't over until the last whistle has blown. Johnson's memorable professional career, which consisted of numerous highlights, can be summed up with a single word, "Leader". Magic was the leading influence behind each of his championship-winning teams at every possible basketball level, including high school, collegiate, and the NBA, and his Olympic Gold Medal. During his 12 year professional career, Magic led the L.A. Lakers to five NBA Western Championship titles (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987,1988) and nine appearances in the NBA National Finals. Magic was named the NBA's "MVP" three times (1987, 1989, 1990), NBA Finals "MVP" three different occasions (1980, 1982,1987), received All-NBA First Team award nine different times, and played in 11 All-Star Games and was the all time assist leader for the NBA. After the announcment of Magics retirement from his profesional basketball career on November 7, 1991 due to his contracing the HIV virus, Magic's immense