Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

146 Inspirational Quotes By Magic Johnson That Prove He Is A Born Winner

Famous As: The Greatest Point Guard of All Time
Born On: August 14, 1959
Born In: Lansing, Michigan, United States
Founder / Co Founder: Magic Johnson Enterprises, Magic Johnson Foundation, Magic Johnson Theatres, Walton Isaacson
Age: 63 Years

Magic Johnson, who played as point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers for 13 seasons, earning 'NBA MVP Award' three times, became a philanthropist and motivational speaker after his career came to a sudden end due to being tested positive for HIV. Since then, he has talked openly about his past sexual relationship with multiple women and dedicated his life in spreading awareness about the disease through the Magic Johnson Foundation. He spoke at the United Nations World AIDS Day Conference in 1999 and was a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Here we look at some of his memorable quotes from interviews and speeches. Apart from speaking about HIV, he also delivers motivational quotes about sports, winning, dreams, and relationships.

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The worst moment from all of this was driving from that doctor's office, to tell my wife that I was HIV positive.

The worst moment from all of this was driving from that doctor's office, to tell my wife that I was HIV positive.

Magic Johnson
I wouldn't do the 'Magic Hour' again, but I would do TV again. The 'Magic Hour' is not me. Anything I would do, I would have to be me. That is how it would work.

I wouldn't do the 'Magic Hour' again, but I would do TV again. The 'Magic Hour' is not me. Anything I would do, I would have to be me. That is how it would work.

Magic Johnson
I tell you, it's funny because the only time I think about HIV is when I have to take my medicine twice a day.

I tell you, it's funny because the only time I think about HIV is when I have to take my medicine twice a day.

Magic Johnson
We cut him off and there was nowhere for him to go but out of bounds ... It's still the greatest move I've ever seen in basketball, the all-time greatest.

We cut him off and there was nowhere for him to go but out of bounds ... It's still the greatest move I've ever seen in basketball, the all-time greatest.

Magic Johnson
It all started when I got injured early in my second season. This turned out to be as difficult emotionally as physically.

It all started when I got injured early in my second season. This turned out to be as difficult emotionally as physically.

Magic Johnson
Don't give up! Be friends with people who help you work hard.

Don't give up! Be friends with people who help you work hard.

Magic Johnson
You either have to be great or you have to be bad to get a good pick.

You either have to be great or you have to be bad to get a good pick.

Magic Johnson
On his telepathic understanding with James Worthy- It's almost like we have ESPN.

On his telepathic understanding with James Worthy- It's almost like we have ESPN.

Magic Johnson
People don't stop eating, and they don't stop drinking coffee.

People don't stop eating, and they don't stop drinking coffee.

Magic Johnson
A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom. Just like right now with the whole mortgage crisis, I want to help people get back into their homes.

A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom. Just like right now with the whole mortgage crisis, I want to help people get back into their homes.

Magic Johnson
I've always studied business. Even when I was a ball player, I'd read business journals and the business sections of newspapers.

I've always studied business. Even when I was a ball player, I'd read business journals and the business sections of newspapers.

Magic Johnson
I love business. I love helping urban communities grow. I love putting people to work of color. I love making sure - like right now the whole mortgage crisis, I want to help people get back into their homes.

I love business. I love helping urban communities grow. I love putting people to work of color. I love making sure - like right now the whole mortgage crisis, I want to help people get back into their homes.

Magic Johnson
Most people who are healthy, and I'm healthy, can't even live my life. Trust me. I get up 530-6 every morning. I'm in the gym. I run a couple miles. I lift weights, and then I'm at work until 8-9 o'clock at night.

Most people who are healthy, and I'm healthy, can't even live my life. Trust me. I get up 530-6 every morning. I'm in the gym. I run a couple miles. I lift weights, and then I'm at work until 8-9 o'clock at night.

Magic Johnson
If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to use every connection you’ve got.

If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to use every connection you’ve got.

Magic Johnson
The looks, the stares, the giggles . . . I wanted to show everybody that I could do better and also that I could read.

The looks, the stares, the giggles . . . I wanted to show everybody that I could do better and also that I could read.

Magic Johnson
You don't have to be Magic to be special. You're already special, you're you.

You don't have to be Magic to be special. You're already special, you're you.

Magic Johnson
I'm from there. You know, when you grow up with these people and see them every day and then you look at the numbers... it was easy; it was a no-brainer. And when Sony took a look, it was a no-brainer to them, too.

I'm from there. You know, when you grow up with these people and see them every day and then you look at the numbers... it was easy; it was a no-brainer. And when Sony took a look, it was a no-brainer to them, too.

Magic Johnson
I only know how to play two ways: reckless and abandon.

I only know how to play two ways: reckless and abandon.

Magic Johnson
Life doesnt stop because something happens to you.

Life doesnt stop because something happens to you.

Magic Johnson
On the best tactic when playing alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- Just give him the ball.

On the best tactic when playing alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar- Just give him the ball.

Magic Johnson
They said playing basketball would kill me. Well, not playing basketball was killing me.

They said playing basketball would kill me. Well, not playing basketball was killing me.

Magic Johnson
Larry, you only told me one lie. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird.

Larry, you only told me one lie. You said there will be another Larry Bird. Larry, there will never, ever be another Larry Bird.

Magic Johnson
Even as a fierce competitor I try to smile.

Even as a fierce competitor I try to smile.

Magic Johnson
If you hate to lose, you do whatever you need to do to make sure you're business is successful.

If you hate to lose, you do whatever you need to do to make sure you're business is successful.

Magic Johnson
Even when I went to the playground, I never picked the best players. I picked guys with less talent, but who were willing to work hard and had the desire to be great.

Even when I went to the playground, I never picked the best players. I picked guys with less talent, but who were willing to work hard and had the desire to be great.

Magic Johnson
WE all have to play as a team to make the world a better place

WE all have to play as a team to make the world a better place

Magic Johnson
If you want someone to be your mentor, you better be ready to listen and be humbled.

If you want someone to be your mentor, you better be ready to listen and be humbled.

Magic Johnson
You can't get AIDS from a hug or a handshake or a meal with a friend.

You can't get AIDS from a hug or a handshake or a meal with a friend.

Magic Johnson
If people around you aren't going anywhere, if their dreams are no bigger than hanging out on the corner, or if they're dragging you down, get rid of them.

If people around you aren't going anywhere, if their dreams are no bigger than hanging out on the corner, or if they're dragging you down, get rid of them.

Magic Johnson
Being able to touch so many people through my businesses and make money while doing it, is a huge blessing.

Being able to touch so many people through my businesses and make money while doing it, is a huge blessing.

Magic Johnson
There's Michael [Jordan], then there's the rest of us.

There's Michael [Jordan], then there's the rest of us.

Magic Johnson
It's a burden trying to keep a secret. It's hard. It probably takes more out of you trying to hold it and keep it than it does for you to really let it out.

It's a burden trying to keep a secret. It's hard. It probably takes more out of you trying to hold it and keep it than it does for you to really let it out.

Magic Johnson
I never think that there's something I can't do, whether it's beating my opponent one on one or practicing another hour because something about my game is just not right.

I never think that there's something I can't do, whether it's beating my opponent one on one or practicing another hour because something about my game is just not right.

Magic Johnson
Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.

Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.

Magic Johnson
Any guy who can maintain a positive attitude without much playing time certainly earns my respect.

Any guy who can maintain a positive attitude without much playing time certainly earns my respect.

Magic Johnson
If you're a competitive person, that stays with you. You don't stop. You always look over your shoulder.

If you're a competitive person, that stays with you. You don't stop. You always look over your shoulder.

Magic Johnson
If the community is happy, then they support your business and if your business is doing well, then you can give back even more to the community.

If the community is happy, then they support your business and if your business is doing well, then you can give back even more to the community.

Magic Johnson
I'm at peace with myself. The main thing is not letting people dictate what I do or what I am.

I'm at peace with myself. The main thing is not letting people dictate what I do or what I am.

Magic Johnson
HIV changed my life, but it doesn't keep me from living.

HIV changed my life, but it doesn't keep me from living.

Magic Johnson
Assists is what Earvin is all about. That's what my whole life has been, assisting others.

Assists is what Earvin is all about. That's what my whole life has been, assisting others.

Magic Johnson
I was able to see what I wanted to do, I could see the opportunity, even when others could not, and I stay committed to doing it and doing it well, no matter what.

I was able to see what I wanted to do, I could see the opportunity, even when others could not, and I stay committed to doing it and doing it well, no matter what.

Magic Johnson
When I'm under the gun and I've got pressure on me, I don't panic. I look for the right solution, and then I go for it.

When I'm under the gun and I've got pressure on me, I don't panic. I look for the right solution, and then I go for it.

Magic Johnson
Because if you're going to lose, lose. I'm serious.

Because if you're going to lose, lose. I'm serious.

Magic Johnson
I think you just have to keep knocking down doors, you have to keep being aggressive, and even if somebody says 'No', then you have to knock on the next door.

I think you just have to keep knocking down doors, you have to keep being aggressive, and even if somebody says 'No', then you have to knock on the next door.

Magic Johnson
I'm a big believer in dreaming. If you don't dream it, you can't become it.

I'm a big believer in dreaming. If you don't dream it, you can't become it.

Magic Johnson
For me, it always goes back to something I learned in basketball. There's winning and there's losing, and in life you have to know they both will happen. But what's never been acceptable to me is quitting.

For me, it always goes back to something I learned in basketball. There's winning and there's losing, and in life you have to know they both will happen. But what's never been acceptable to me is quitting.

Magic Johnson
You're the only one who can make the difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it.

You're the only one who can make the difference. Whatever your dream is, go for it.

Magic Johnson
I grew up poor, but I didn't have poor dreams

I grew up poor, but I didn't have poor dreams

Magic Johnson
Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are the hardest workers.

Talent is never enough. With few exceptions the best players are the hardest workers.

Magic Johnson
In life, winning and losing will both happen. What is never acceptable is quitting.

In life, winning and losing will both happen. What is never acceptable is quitting.

Magic Johnson
I like things going on in my life. I don't want to be on a beach somewhere just relaxing.

I like things going on in my life. I don't want to be on a beach somewhere just relaxing.

Magic Johnson
I try to hire people I don't have to motivate. But I do motivate the people working with and for me.

I try to hire people I don't have to motivate. But I do motivate the people working with and for me.

Magic Johnson
My work ethic is from sports.

My work ethic is from sports.

Magic Johnson
I grew up a Detroit Tigers fan, and now to be an owner of the Dodgers is amazing.

I grew up a Detroit Tigers fan, and now to be an owner of the Dodgers is amazing.

Magic Johnson
I love putting people to work of color.

I love putting people to work of color.

Magic Johnson
A woman always remembers. Remember that.

A woman always remembers. Remember that.

Magic Johnson
People see me high-fivin' and smiling on the court, and they don't think that's me. But it is. I just want to go out and be myself.

People see me high-fivin' and smiling on the court, and they don't think that's me. But it is. I just want to go out and be myself.

Magic Johnson
When you think about the NASCAR brand, it resonates everywhere. They have the No. 1 sports brand.

When you think about the NASCAR brand, it resonates everywhere. They have the No. 1 sports brand.

Magic Johnson
When I grew up, my family, we sat down, all of us to watch 'Good Times,' 'Sanford and Son,' all those shows that were out at that time.

When I grew up, my family, we sat down, all of us to watch 'Good Times,' 'Sanford and Son,' all those shows that were out at that time.

Magic Johnson
For a long time, I'd work until 10 or 11. When I work, I'm on. I'm 'Magic.' I love it, but it takes a lot out of me.

For a long time, I'd work until 10 or 11. When I work, I'm on. I'm 'Magic.' I love it, but it takes a lot out of me.

Magic Johnson
I'm far from being a homosexual.

I'm far from being a homosexual.

Magic Johnson
I'm glad that Gov. Scott down in Florida accepted ObamaCare, because it will work.

I'm glad that Gov. Scott down in Florida accepted ObamaCare, because it will work.

Magic Johnson
ObamaCare is working. I talk to a lot of CEOs of hospitals. It is working.

ObamaCare is working. I talk to a lot of CEOs of hospitals. It is working.

Magic Johnson
Everyone should have the opportunity to get affordable, quality health coverage.

Everyone should have the opportunity to get affordable, quality health coverage.

Magic Johnson
I'm building shopping centers and movie theaters in the inner cities. So that means supplying jobs and letting blacks understand that we have to build our communities back, not looking to anybody else.

I'm building shopping centers and movie theaters in the inner cities. So that means supplying jobs and letting blacks understand that we have to build our communities back, not looking to anybody else.

Magic Johnson
Sometimes friends move apart from each other for whatever reason.

Sometimes friends move apart from each other for whatever reason.

Magic Johnson
I've always been a leader my whole life. I've always led. I didn't know how to do anything else.

I've always been a leader my whole life. I've always led. I didn't know how to do anything else.

Magic Johnson
A lot of black guys always ask me, 'Did Larry Bird really play that good?' I said, 'Larry Bird is so good it's frightening.'

A lot of black guys always ask me, 'Did Larry Bird really play that good?' I said, 'Larry Bird is so good it's frightening.'

Magic Johnson
I'm the one who will take chances, not worry about the backlash.

I'm the one who will take chances, not worry about the backlash.

Magic Johnson
Athletes don't like to get up early, but it never bothered me.

Athletes don't like to get up early, but it never bothered me.

Magic Johnson
All students should have the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas and be fully prepared for college or the workplace.

All students should have the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas and be fully prepared for college or the workplace.

Magic Johnson
I thank Him every chance I get - on my knees praying.

I thank Him every chance I get - on my knees praying.

Magic Johnson
I have a fond place in my heart for Seattle, so I hope that an NBA team comes back to this great city, this great sports city.

I have a fond place in my heart for Seattle, so I hope that an NBA team comes back to this great city, this great sports city.

Magic Johnson
Urban America is like a foreign country in a sense.

Urban America is like a foreign country in a sense.

Magic Johnson
I don't care who is attacking my son. I still support him; I still love him.

I don't care who is attacking my son. I still support him; I still love him.

Magic Johnson
When you are honest and open with young people, they let you in.

When you are honest and open with young people, they let you in.

Magic Johnson
My father is my idol, so I always did everything like him. He used to work two jobs and still come home happy every night.

My father is my idol, so I always did everything like him. He used to work two jobs and still come home happy every night.

Magic Johnson
Magic is who I am on the basketball court. Earvin is who I am.

Magic is who I am on the basketball court. Earvin is who I am.

Magic Johnson
It's a burden trying to keep a secret. It's hard. It probably takes more out of you trying to hold it and keep it than it does for you to really let it out.

It's a burden trying to keep a secret. It's hard. It probably takes more out of you trying to hold it and keep it than it does for you to really let it out.

Magic Johnson
Magic is crazy. He is that crazy wild guy on the basketball court that is very intense and very serious. He is the guy who lives and eats and breathes basketball.

Magic is crazy. He is that crazy wild guy on the basketball court that is very intense and very serious. He is the guy who lives and eats and breathes basketball.

Magic Johnson
The audience likes their emotions to be touched. They want to laugh and cry and feel good.

The audience likes their emotions to be touched. They want to laugh and cry and feel good.

Magic Johnson
Young people want you to be real with them.

Young people want you to be real with them.

Magic Johnson
The real story is that I had unprotected sex. That's that. That's easy.

The real story is that I had unprotected sex. That's that. That's easy.

Magic Johnson
The important thing is this Just because I'm doing well doesn't mean that they're going to do well if they get HIV. A lot of people have died since I have announced. This disease is not going anywhere.

The important thing is this Just because I'm doing well doesn't mean that they're going to do well if they get HIV. A lot of people have died since I have announced. This disease is not going anywhere.

Magic Johnson
The first year was hard for me to deal with. The second year was a little bit easier, but still difficult. It took me five years to get it out of me. It was a difficult moment, a difficult time.

The first year was hard for me to deal with. The second year was a little bit easier, but still difficult. It took me five years to get it out of me. It was a difficult moment, a difficult time.

Magic Johnson
I'm from there. You know, when you grow up with these people and see them every day and then you look at the numbers it was easy; it was a no-brainer. And when Sony took a look, it was a no-brainer to them, too.

I'm from there. You know, when you grow up with these people and see them every day and then you look at the numbers it was easy; it was a no-brainer. And when Sony took a look, it was a no-brainer to them, too.

Magic Johnson
My dad was my hero. And I got my personality from my mother.

My dad was my hero. And I got my personality from my mother.

Magic Johnson
When a woman is frustrated, and it's your wife, you as the husband get that frustration.

When a woman is frustrated, and it's your wife, you as the husband get that frustration.

Magic Johnson
I think that there are always goals for me to try to achieve, and I'm going to work toward those goals.

I think that there are always goals for me to try to achieve, and I'm going to work toward those goals.

Magic Johnson
My having HIV has no bearing on my business.

My having HIV has no bearing on my business.

Magic Johnson
My family is a praying family, a Christian family.

My family is a praying family, a Christian family.

Magic Johnson
I love to be in the ballpark. I love to just go in and enjoy a great baseball game, a great pitchers' duel.

I love to be in the ballpark. I love to just go in and enjoy a great baseball game, a great pitchers' duel.

Magic Johnson
I respect women to the utmost.

I respect women to the utmost.

Magic Johnson
I guess when people ask what is the biggest transition to the NBA from college, it is definitely defense and the mental part.

I guess when people ask what is the biggest transition to the NBA from college, it is definitely defense and the mental part.

Magic Johnson
I met wonderful people playing in the NBA. Whether it is the officials, the scorekeepers, all the people who work for the NBA, not just for the Lakers, but I'm talking about just for the league itself.

I met wonderful people playing in the NBA. Whether it is the officials, the scorekeepers, all the people who work for the NBA, not just for the Lakers, but I'm talking about just for the league itself.

Magic Johnson
I tell you, it's funny because the only time I think about HIV is when I have to take my medicine twice a day.

I tell you, it's funny because the only time I think about HIV is when I have to take my medicine twice a day.

Magic Johnson
Research your idea. See if there's a demand. A lot of people have great ideas, but they don't know if there's a need for it. You also have to research your competition.

Research your idea. See if there's a demand. A lot of people have great ideas, but they don't know if there's a need for it. You also have to research your competition.

Magic Johnson
I do not have bad days. I don't wake up in the morning and think that I'm going to get AIDS. I don't dream bad dreams about it. If I did, I'd be giving in to the negativity.

I do not have bad days. I don't wake up in the morning and think that I'm going to get AIDS. I don't dream bad dreams about it. If I did, I'd be giving in to the negativity.

Magic Johnson
I often tell people when you make a mistake, you not only hurt yourself, but you hurt the ones that love you.

I often tell people when you make a mistake, you not only hurt yourself, but you hurt the ones that love you.

Magic Johnson
I'm at peace with myself. The main thing is not letting people dictate what I do or what I am.

I'm at peace with myself. The main thing is not letting people dictate what I do or what I am.

Magic Johnson
As an athlete, I understood the value of my health insurance. I knew that in my profession, injuries were common and could happen at any time.

As an athlete, I understood the value of my health insurance. I knew that in my profession, injuries were common and could happen at any time.

Magic Johnson
I am and will always be a Laker for life.

I am and will always be a Laker for life.

Magic Johnson