Magic Johnson
Despite going down as one of the five greatest players in the history of the NBA, and the centerpiece of the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980’s, most of the world now associates Earvin “Magic” Johnson with his shocking 1991 announcement that he was HIV positive. Since retiring, Johnson has done extensive work around HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, in addition to other philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures.
From 1994 to 2010, Johnson was a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and was hired by team president Jeanie Buss to serve as a special advisor to Buss and General Manager Rob Pelinka. Johnson was also a minority owner of the Lakers from 1994 to 2010, and the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2012 to 2014. Johnson also served as a studio analyst for ESPN’s NBA Countdown — and is currently the president of basketball operations for the Lakers.