EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON - BASKETBALL SIGNED - HFSID 167189

EARVIN "MAGIC" JOHNSON
He signs on a Spalding NBA basketball, in black ink
Basketball signed: "Magic/Johnson". Spalding NBA basketball, David J. Stern, Commissioner. Earvin Johnson, known to his fans as "Magic," joined the NBA Pacific Division team, the Los Angeles Lakers, in 1979. The following year, he earned Playoff MVP, an honor "Magic" recaptured in 1982 and 1987. He was also the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. For the 1986-1987 season, Johnson led the team by scoring over 1900 points and topped the NBA with 977 assists. While leading the Lakers to five Championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988), he became all-time assists leader, with an impressive 9,921. On November 7, 1991, Johnson shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement from his 12-year NBA career due to testing positive for HIV. Johnson made a few playing appearances thereafter, most notably with the 1992 US Olympic "dream team" gold medal winner. He returned to the basketball court on January 29, 1996, the year he was named to the NBA's 50th anniversary all-time team. Johnson, who was inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame in 2002, has been notably successful in business ventures; his Magic Johnson Enterprises owns multiple movie theaters, fitness centers and restaurants. His major charitable venture, the Magic Johnson Foundation, funds AIDS research and awareness. Slightly soiled. Fine condition. Presented in 9½x9½x9½ case.