How Many Championship Rings Does Magic Johnson Have?

The legendary basketball icon Magic Johnson is one of the NBA's greatest players. Known for his mold-breaking play, singular court vision, and flair on and off the court, Johnson has made an unforgettable impact on basketball and culture.

When discussing who the greatest players in history are, Magic Johnson remains in discussion for the best point guard of all-time, even with the likes of Stephen Curry, John Stockton, and Isiah Thomas finding great success through their careers. Considering his on-court brilliance, we dive into the success that earned Magic Johnson his five NBA Championship rings.

Magic Johnson Career Profile, Awards, & Accomplishments

Name: Earvin Johnson Jr.

Position: Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Power Forward

Height: 6-9 (206 cm) 

Weight: 215 lbs (97 kg)

School: Michigan State

Draft: Los Angeles Lakers (1st Pick, 1st Overall, 1979)

• NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
• NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990)
• NBA All-Star (1980, 1982-92)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1990, 1992)
• All-NBA First Team (1983-1991)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
• NBA Assist Leader (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
• NBA Steals Leader (1981, 1982)

1980: Los Angeles Lakers

After an impressive collegiate campaign, Magic Johnson entered the NBA with the new-look Los Angeles Lakers and brought his flair and style to the forefront of the league. While he failed to win the Rookie of the Year award, losing out to eventual rival Larry Bird, Johnson led his Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Playoffs after averaging 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.

When the Los Angeles Lakers reached the playoffs, Johnson cemented his status as one of the NBA's greatest stars to come, averaging 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.4 assists on 51.8% from the field as a 20-year-old first-year player. Johnson closed out his campaign with a 42-points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers to secure his first championship ring.

1982: Los Angeles Lakers

After being eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in 1981, a healthy Magic Johnson returned for the 1982 campaign with renewed vigor and an eye on another NBA Championship. After playing just 37 games the previous year, Johnson appeared in 78 games through 1981-82, averaging 18.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.5 assists while leading the league in steals with 2.7 per game.

Johnson wasn't the primary scoring force for the Lakers through the 1982 Playoffs and Finals, absorbing the pressure and delegating to experienced teammates Norm Nixon and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to take on the scoring load. While not a star in the traditional sense, Johnson's playmaking and ability to involve every teammate won him his second NBA Championship and the position as one of the league's brightest stars.

1985: Los Angeles Lakers

After back-to-back NBA Finals losses in 1983 and 1984, the Lakers' big three of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy launched another fantastic campaign to push themselves back into the championship picture. After leading the league in assists for consecutive seasons, Johnson took on more of a scoring role while averaging 18.3 points, 12.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds on 56.1% from the field.

The Lakers cruised through the Western Conference Playoffs, going 11-2 through eliminating the Suns, Trail Blazers, and Nuggets. Most notably, Johnson averaged 17.5 points, 15.2 assists, and 7.1 rebounds en route to their 4-2 revenge against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. It was Johnson's third NBA Championship.

1987: Los Angeles Lakers

After losing out to the Houston Rockets in the 1986 Western Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers took steps to remain in the championship picture for the 1987 NBA season. Johnson had the best scoring year of his career while maintaining his overall quality by averaging 23.9 points, 12.2 assists, and 6.3 rebounds on 52.2% from the field. His quality throughout the season earned him his first Most Valuable Player award.

The 1987 Western Conference Playoffs saw Johnson lead his team to an 11-1 record before defeating the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals 4-2. Johnson averaged 21.8 points, 12.2 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game through the playoffs and NBA Finals. He won his fourth NBA title and his third NBA Finals MVP Award.

1988: Los Angeles Lakers

While Johnson's star shone brightly for years, 1988 would be his last time being crowned NBA Champion. The incredible pace that Johnson set allowed his teammates to thrive on the court, where he averaged 19.6 points, 11.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds through 72 games played.

The 1988 post-season was one of Johnson's most rigorous tests, with three of four series going to seven games. In 24 playoff matches, Johnsons averaged 19.9 points, 12.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds on 51.4% shooting from the field. Johnson claimed his fifth and final NBA Championship ring after defeating rival point guard Isiah Thomas and his Bad Boy Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals.

Comparing Magic Johnson's Rings to the winningest players in NBA history

Magic Johnson is, without question, one of the NBA's most successful players. He stands among the best to ever grace a basketball court with five NBA Championship rings and not a single losing regular season record to his name. With championship success varying across generations, Johnson's accolades made him one of the best to play the game.

Magic Johnson's NBA Finals appearances compared to NBA legends

Magic Johnson is one of NBA history's best players, having reached the NBA Finals nine times in his 13-year career. One of the best to ever play the game, Johnson found success when he stepped on an NBA court. While his success rate in the NBA Finals may not be as great as some of his peers, his five championship rings speak for themselves.