Magic Johnson became one of the best players in NBA history during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. From 1979 to 1991, along with a brief spell in 1996, Johnson secured 10 All-NBA selections and 12 All-Star nods, while helping the Lakers win five NBA championships in the 1980s. Johnson was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 for his stellar career.
Since retiring from the NBA, Johnson has become one of the top businessmen in the world. He founded his own investment company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, while also investing in several professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC and the Washington Commanders. Johnson also spent time as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019.
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Johnson has also appeared at countless events over the last 35 years as a guest speaker. In 2026 alone, he has made guest appearances at the 2026 Surge Conference in Tampa, the 2026 NADA Show in Las Vegas, and even served as the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses at the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade.
And Thursday was no different, as the Lakers legend announced his most recent guest appearance, speaking in front of over 1,000 employees of ViiV Healthcare in Atlanta. Among the notable topics he covered were leadership and building his business, along with his personal journey living with HIV.
In November of the 1991-92 NBA season, Johnson shocked the world by revealing he had tested positive for HIV. The point guard retired immediately following the announcement, but later returned for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game and played 32 games during the 1995-96 season. Johnson also founded the Magic Johnson Foundation as a result of his diagnosis, which focuses on HIV and AIDS awareness, prevention and testing.
"This morning I had the privilege of speaking with over 1,000 employees and sales team members of ViiV Healthcare in Atlanta, GA about leadership, teamwork, how I built my business, and my journey living with HIV," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "The employees were so enthusiastic, engaging and received my message well! Thank you to ViiV Healthcare VP, Head of Sales US Kristin Fink for having me!"
Decades after his playing career ended, Johnson continues to make an impact both in business and through his outreach efforts, using his platform to inspire others and raise awareness around HIV.
