Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson had an ever-lasting impact on the NBA. The Hall of Famer brought forth unprecedented revolution by being the first ever oversized point guard at 6’9” to decorate the hardwood with his crafty plays and flashy passes. Consequently, Johnson led the Lakers to 5x NBA championships and a dynastic run in the 80s. He massively contributed to putting the NBA back on the map, alongside Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, during its declining years. Needless to say, the former Finals MVP had a very important career in the league.

However, the league would not have witnessed Johnson getting drafted by the Lakers in 1979, if not for a life-altering incident in high school.

Magic Johnson’s life-changing episode in high school

Earvin Magic Johnson, who was born and brought up in Michigan, had quite the journey to Hollywood. Though he became one of the greatest to ever do it, he almost became a lost cause owing to a peculiar habit seldom noticed among his peers in the NBA Hall of Fame. Most great players achieved legendary success at every level of their basketball journey. However, the same cannot be said for Johnson, as he almost got benched in high school.

Before the Lakers and Michigan State, Johnson started at the Everett High School Varsity team. Though he inevitably became the biggest star in Lansing, Michigan, his junior year in the program almost ended his NBA aspirations. Incidentally, Johnson, who sported a magical smile, was not the hardest of workers at the time. However, he still dreamt of making it to the NBA.

But his coach was not planning on tolerating the Hall of Famer’s lackluster dedication to the sport. According to an ESPN report, he ‘castigated’ him for not working hard enough and even threatened to bench him if he didn’t improve his attitude.

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His coach’s harsh words changed Magic’s life for the better, as he later admitted, “My wake-up call.” Johnson’s wake-up call probably came at the right time, as he quickly realigned his mindset and dedication to his craft. Subsequently, he went on to become one of the greatest players ever.

Magic had a dazzling career

After his life-altering realization, #32 transformed into a future All-Star. Moreover, the same 18-year-old willed his team to a State Championship in 1977 after a historic performance in the Finals. He had an equally memorable stint at Michigan State, where he won the Nationals against Larry Bird which landed him on the radar of the Lakers.

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Jerry Buss and the Lakers drafted Johnson as the no.1 overall pick in 1979; and as they say, the rest is history. He brought 5x titles to the city and revived the NBA viewership by leading the Lakers side in their iconic rivalry against the Larry Bird-led Boston Celtics. Many fans consider Johnson the greatest point guard of all time. After retirement, he went on to become one of the wealthiest athletes ever.