65 years of Magic Johnson and the LA Lakers legend is ensuring he hasn’t forgotten the journey he has had. Albeit a kid from Lansing, in a family of nine siblings, and humbling beginnings, Johnson dreamt big. “I grew up poor, but I didn’t have poor dreams,” is what he says. Having materialized on it, the 5x champion’s ‘look-back’ serves a reminder that no dreams are unreachable.

“Sometimes I still pinch myself that a kid from Lansing, Michigan has accomplished all of this in 65 years!” Johnson captioned. The accompanying post drew a timeline of Johnson from the day he was born to all the success ‘Magic Johnson Enterprise’ has witnessed. There are one too many to name, but every glorious moment you can think of from Johnson’s life, you find it remembered in the post — high school, NBA, NBA post-retirement, philanthropy, business ventures, and then some.

Yet, that is not all. “Part two of my timeline is in my next post!” he captioned further for the 20-slide post with 3 momentos each. So we do get more.

Continuing where he left off, Johnson begins his next post with ‘induction into the Hall of Fame in 2010,’ his many business ventures in between, to end with his more recent recognition for philanthropy alongside his wife Cookie — Nelson Mandela’s Children’s Fund Lifetime Achievement Award that he received in Cannes, May 2024.

Johnson’s post was reflection of all that his life has been even beyond the NBA. 5 championships, 3 MVP titles, in debate for the best point guard to ever touch the ball, or tagged for popularising the league in its worst – without question, one of the most successful basketball players to shape the NBA. Yet, his impact doesn’t stop at the baseline.

As a philanthropist, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV, leading numerous awareness campaigns and dedicating his Foundation to assist community-based organizations. The Magic Johnson Foundation is also committed to support communities for education as well as natural disaster reliefs. The Lakers icon has reportedly supported 12 causes through his initiatives and continues to add on.

As a businessman, he has built an impressive empire through Magic Johnson Enterprises, which holds investments in movie theaters, restaurants, and real estate. From the first franchisee in Starbuck’s history, at one point owning 125 stores, to owning a stake in several major sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Commanders, and LAFC, he’s a businessman who might as well give his NBA career a run for its money.

Johnson was declared only the fourth athlete billionaire in October 2023 with a net worth of $1.4 billion.

But conveying with his caption, Magic Johnson is grateful for what these feats may or may not have provided – love, health, and happiness. “I thank God that I’m able to see another year happy, healthy, and surrounded by love!” he writes.

Surrounded by love indeed

Magic Johnson is blessed with 3 kids — Andre, EJ, and Elisa, 2 grandkids — Gigi and Avery, and 30 years of marriage to his wife, Cookie. The whole of the lot enjoyed some family vacation last month, exploring the streets and islands of Spain and Italy. “We are truly grateful to have children and grandchildren who still enjoy spending time with us!” he had penned as their week or two-long trip neared its end.

But the trip was a lot more than that for Johnson. In, what seemed like a 2-month vacationing, Johnson was constantly joined by friends, in different groups, but cherished indeed. He also had a host of kids storming in to get an autograph and snap selfies as they spotted the giant in Capri. But one constant in Johnson’s life has been his wife.

The two met in college in the late 70s, got married in 1991, and have been by each other’s side ever since. When Johnson was diagnosed with HIV soon after their marriage, Cookie held on. The NBA legend admitted to have not survived, had she decided to leave. “no question about it,” he says. Well, happy and healthy they are together 30 years in.

“We’ve laughed, traveled, cried, celebrated, and loved. God has blessed me with such an amazing husband and I wouldn’t want to spend my life with anyone else!! Here’s to 65 more birthdays together,” Cookie penned in celebration of her husband’s milestone. Years more we wish for them.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.