20 Things You Didn't Know About Magic Johnson

From tales of his sex life in the '80s to how he got the nickname "Magic."

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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On this day, 22 years ago, Magic Johnson announced to the world that he had tested positive for HIV. It was a moment that shook basketball fans and left news anchors speechless. While many believed this meant his life was a ticking time bomb, Johnson has continued to successfully "battle this deadly disease." In the process, Magic has built an empire which now includes being a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers

For an individual like Magic whose life became such an open book at that November 7, 1991 press conference and the subsequent years afterwards, there are still some facts you may not know about Earvin. From how he became good friends with on-court rival Larry Bird to his words of discouragement that eventually motivated Dwight Howard to make it in the NBA, here are 20 Things You Didn't Know About Magic Johnson.    

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He is one of only seven players to win an NCAA national championship, an NBA title, and an Olympic gold medal.

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The Red Hot Chili Peppers have a song dedicated to him.

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His video game, Magic Johnson's Fast Break, was released by Arcadia Systems in 1988.

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Magic discovered his HIV status during a physical examination for a life insurance policy.

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His coaching record is 5-11.

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Magic reportedly admitted to having sex with 300 to 500 people per year before his HIV diagnosis in 1991.

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His net worth has increased by an estimated $400 million since his retirement.

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He became friends with Larry Bird during a 1986 Converse commercial.

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The Lakers won the right to select Magic first overall in the 1979 Draft after the Bulls lost a coin flip.

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After Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went down with an ankle sprain prior to Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, Magic sat in Abdul-Jabbar's empty seat on the team plane, winked at his teammates and told them, "Never fear, E.J. is here."

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He claims his Game 6 performance in the 1980 Finals was his greatest NBA game ever.

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He became the first rookie since Elvin Hayes (1969) to start in the 1980 All-Star Game.

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He's the only rookie to win the NBA Finals MVP award.

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He is the tallest player to play the point guard position at 6'9".

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As a child, his neighbors called him "Junior" or "June Bug."

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He received the nickname "Magic" as a 15-year-old at Everett High School.

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His mother felt the nickname was blasphemous.

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He became the first African-American basketball player to own part of a NBA franchise in 1994.

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His play "inspired the addition of the term 'triple-double' into basketball's lexicon."

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Magic Johnson once told Dwight Howard he was "too little" and "too skinny" to play in the NBA.

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