Magic Author:Earvin Johnson, Richard Levin Published in 1983, this is the off-court story of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, then basketball's youngest superstar. Twice named the Most Valuable Player in the NBA playoffs, Magic was, at the age of 22, already a basketball legend. — Born one of seven children in Lansing, Michigan, young Earvin showed early signs of good size - an... more »d great talent. He was recruited by dozens of colleges, but finally chose to stay home and play for the Michigan State Spartans. After his sophomore year, Magic opted for the pros in 1979, becoming the highest-paid rookie in basketball history up to that time. He was an instant success with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing alongside the matchless Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. In 1982, Magic signed a long-term contract for $25 million.
It wasn't all gravy: Johnson was seriously injured and was at the eye of the hurricane when Laker coach Paul Westhead was fired in November 1981. Through it all, Magic stood taller than his 6'9" - a man with a huge smile and as strong a competitive drive as the game has ever seen.« less