On October 8, 1999, Earvin “Magic” Johnson received another major recognition for a career that had already changed the NBA.
ESPN’s SportsCentury series profiled Johnson as the No. 17 greatest North American athlete of the 20th century, placing the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar among an extraordinary group of sporting icons. ESPN’s final ranking put Johnson directly ahead of Bill Russell at No. 18 and behind Ted Williams at No. 16.
The episode aired on October 8, 1999, as part of ESPN’s year-long countdown celebrating the most influential athletes of the century. Johnson was one of four basketball players to make the top 20, alongside Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Russell.
By then, Magic’s place in basketball history was already secure. Across 13 NBA seasons, Johnson had become the face of the “Showtime” Lakers, leading Los Angeles to five championships while winning three regular-season MVP awards and three Finals MVPs. His combination of size, vision, creativity and passing redefined what was possible from the point guard position and helped turn the Lakers into one of the defining teams of the 1980s.
His résumé extended beyond the NBA as well. Johnson led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA championship and later returned to the international stage as a member of the legendary 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team,” which won gold in Barcelona.
The SportsCentury recognition reflected more than statistics and trophies. Magic became one of the most recognizable athletes in American sports, helping elevate the NBA’s popularity alongside Larry Bird during a transformative era for the league.
