When it comes to basketball legends, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a name that stands tall among the greatest. His no-look passes, court vision, and leadership were integral to the Showtime Lakers’ success in the 1980s, guiding them to five NBA Championships. Now this week, Johnson added another special moment to his legacy by celebrating a longtime LA Lakers teammate and friend.

In a heartfelt reunion, Magic Johnson and several former Lakers gathered to support AC Green, who was awarded the prestigious United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Magic took to Instagram to commemorate the moment, sharing a photo with Green and their former teammates.

“I met up with Hall of Famers Gary Payton, James Worthy, and Michael Cooper, along with former Lakers Mychal Thompson, Cedric Ceballos, and Elden Campbell, to celebrate former Laker great AC Green as he received the United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award!” wrote Johnson in the post.

Well earned by AC Green. The icon is often called the ‘Iron Man’ because he holds the NBA record for consecutive games playing at 1,192—only matched by a frenzied dedication to youth development, mentorship and charity. AC promotes health-conscious products like Warrior Energy Drink and Warrior Alkaline Water, while also engaging in the vegan and kosher-sensitive food industry.

In 2019, Magic Johnson himself was selected to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, a huge milestone in his post basketball path to philanthropy and community service. It comes almost 30 years after Johnson founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, after he announced he had contracted HIV. Through his foundation’s initiatives, Johnson has affected critical resources in underserved urban communities from college scholarships, HIV/AIDS education and testing to economic development programs that have created hundreds of jobs.

As these Lakers legends continue to make their mark beyond basketball, their shared recognition highlights a beautiful truth: the bonds forged in purple and gold extend far beyond the hardwood, creating a legacy of service that will inspire generations to come.

Magic Johnson’s initial inspiration behind his philanthropic measures

Magic Johnson is well known for his relentless drive to combat HIV/AIDS but his philanthropic efforts go well beyond this cause. He has been associated with many charitable initiatives and has worked on it in issues like social life.

Speaking at an event honoring Martin Luther King Jr., Johnson revealed the inspiration the activist has been behind his many measures. “I’m one of the young black men who benefited from everything that he was teaching,” he revealed. “God put me in a position to do what I do, and I’m actually doing that today because of (King).”

Over the years, the Magic Johnson Foundation has made significant feats in the charity field. It has raised over $20 million for social causes and allocated about $4 million towards scholarships for backward communities. Not only this, but Johnson had also played an important role during the lockdown in 2020 due to Covid-19. He had supported many women and minority-owned businesses who were having a tough time to make their ends meet.

Th point guard collaborated with MBE Capital Partners to provide a loan of $100 million to the businesses. He has been a vocal advocate for policies that promote sustainability and address issues of social injustice. Through his foundation and personal efforts, Johnson has worked to create a more equitable and just society for all. The lifetime award was only natural then.