Magic Johnson: From Lansing to History
From Everett High to a 1979 national title at Michigan State, the kid from Lansing helped change basketball forever.
One of basketball’s greatest figures grew up on the working-class side of Lansing. Earvin Johnson earned the nickname “Magic” as a sophomore at Lansing’s Everett High School. A local sportswriter watched him post a triple-double and coined it. He led Everett to a state title. Then he stayed close to home to play at Michigan State.
There, in 1979, he led the Spartans to their first national championship. He was a 6-foot-8 point guard — a revelation at that size. The opponent in the title game was an undefeated Indiana State team led by Larry Bird. The matchup drew the largest television audience a college basketball game has ever had. That single night is widely credited with launching the modern popularity of both March Madness and the NBA. Magic and Bird would go on to revive both in the 1980s.
Drafted first overall by the Lakers, Magic became a five-time NBA champion and a defining player of his era — but it started in Lansing and East Lansing.
Where to see it
Michigan State plays at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, where a statue of Magic Johnson stands outside; his Everett High School is in Lansing.