![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-51549698-1587388940.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
BARCELONA, SPAIN: U.S. basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson (R) holds his son, Earvin Johnson III, while watching the U.S. women’s basketball team play Spain 03 August, 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. Next to Johnson is his wife Cookie (L) and below them is U.S. basketball player Michael Jordan. (Photo credit should read CHRIS WILKINS/AFP via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-51549698-1587388940.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
BARCELONA, SPAIN: U.S. basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson (R) holds his son, Earvin Johnson III, while watching the U.S. women’s basketball team play Spain 03 August, 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. Next to Johnson is his wife Cookie (L) and below them is U.S. basketball player Michael Jordan. (Photo credit should read CHRIS WILKINS/AFP via Getty Images)
Magic Johnson was one of the most consistent point guards in the NBA. His brilliance on both sides of the court helped him win five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s. However, Johnson could not reciprocate the same consistency in his relationship with his wife Cookie Johnson during their early days. Notably, Magic Johnson was left in tears on camera while recalling his harsh treatment of Cookie Johnson.
Johnson and his wife Cookie met during his freshmen year at Michigan State in 1977. The couple started dating the next year. Unfortunately, they were distanced from one another when Johnson moved to LA after being picked in the 1979 NBA Drafts. The long-distance relationship did not work out for the duo, leading to a lot of ups and downs.
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During his early days, Magic Johnson also had a reputation for being a ladies’ man, which naturally caused a lot of problems in their relationship. However, despite the disappointments, Cookie Johnson always found a way to come back to Magic. They eventually got married in 1991 and have been going strong together ever since.
Father advised Magic Johnson to marry Cookie
In his TV series ‘They Call Me Magic’, Johnson talked about the problems in his relationship with Cookie. Moreover, the 12-time All-Star was left emotional on camera when he revealed the hardships he put his wife through.
Further, Magic Johnson admitted that Cookie had been through a lot. Johnson initially asked his wife to marry her. However, he had some reservations about the commitment and broke their engagement nearly three times. The Los Angeles Lakers legend claimed that Cookie Johnson deserved a lot more than how he treated her in the past.
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A teary-eyed Magic Johnson stated, “And then my father called me(cries), and told me, ‘Junior, you better marry that girl. God blessed you with this woman, man. You gonna make a mistake. The biggest mistake of your life.'”
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Magic-Johnson-Cookie-Johnson-620x480-1.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
The three-time Finals MVP disclosed that his father called him about the pain he had caused Cookie Johnson. Magic’s father advised him to marry Cookie. He also warned Johnson that letting her go would be the biggest mistake of his life.
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Fortunately for Magic Johnson, he listened to his father’s invaluable advice and married Cookie Johnson in 1991. Their marriage surely has some Magic in it.