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.Â
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.  Â
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