Magic Johnson reflects on roots, family, and giving back in candid interview with Jack Ebling

In a heartfelt and nostalgic conversation with Lansing radio legend Jack Ebling, Magic Johnson reminded listeners that before the NBA titles, Olympic gold, and global business empire, he was just “Junior from Lansing” – and in many ways, he still is.

Johnson, who joined The Drive with Jack on the Spotlight Radio Network, didn’t call in as a five-time NBA champion or part-owner of the Dodgers and Commanders. He called in as a son returning home, a neighbor, and a community builder – promoting this weekend’s Earvin Johnson Sr. Community Car and Truck Show, held in honor of his late father at Union Missionary Baptist Church on South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

“Everybody should come on out. It’s free,” Johnson said, his voice full of excitement. “People from all over the country are bringing in their beautiful cars … antique cars that have been in families for years. We’re going to have trophies, food, fun – it’s just a great time for the whole community.”

The event benefits Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors and Santa’s First Responders, two causes close to the Johnson family.

“It’s in my father’s name, but more than that, it’s about bringing the Lansing community together,” he said.

Throughout the conversation, Johnson kept returning to the man behind the event’s name: his father, Earvin Johnson Sr. A General Motors worker for 30 years and a tireless entrepreneur on the side, Johnson Sr. left a legacy of work ethic, humility, and devotion to family.

“My father never missed a day. Never was late,” Johnson said. “And he hauled trash on the side. I was with him on that truck – every Saturday during the school year, and six days a week in the summer.”

That tireless spirit, he said, shaped the player – and the person – he would become.

“I prided myself on being a disciplined player. Nobody was going to outwork me. That came straight from him.”

And yes, his father was a “car guy.”

“Oh yeah. 1955 Chevy. His GTO. His Riviera. The Electra 225 – we called it the ‘deuce and a quarter.’ I drove that on campus at Michigan State,” Johnson laughed.

The interview turned emotional as Ebling brought up a pivotal moment in Johnson’s life: the decision to stay at Michigan State for a second season instead of declaring for the NBA Draft in 1978. The Kansas City Kings offered him $200,000 per year for six years. For a kid from a working-class home, that was serious money.

“I was excited,” Johnson recalled. “Then my father says, ‘Timeout.’ He walks me out of the meeting and says, ‘Junior, you’ve been poor for 18 years. You can be poor for one more year. You’re going back to school.’”

That decision changed history. Johnson returned to Michigan State, won the 1979 national championship with Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, and a dominant Spartan squad, then went on to win an NBA title with the Lakers just 14 months later.

“I wasn’t ready mentally or physically,” Johnson admitted. “And I wanted that championship in my hometown, at Michigan State. That was my dream.”

Johnson credited the legendary Jud Heathcote with molding his on-court excellence and described how his commitment to improvement never stopped.

“I’d come back to campus during the offseason, and guess who was throwing the ball back to me? Coach Izzo,” he said, laughing. “He’d unlock the gym and be right there helping me get better. That’s how special he is.”

He praised both Heathcote and Izzo for their mastery of X’s and O’s – and for evolving with the times.

“I love what Coach Izzo’s doing now – he’s really letting the team run. It’s going to be exciting to see what the Spartans do this season.”

When asked how he describes Lansing to his Hollywood peers, Johnson didn’t hesitate.

“I tell them: in Lansing, everybody knows each other. We respect each other. We support our high school sports like nowhere else in the country,” he said. “Games here in LA are half full, people are quiet. Back home? It’s packed. It’s a big happening.”

He credited Lansing’s tight-knit community – and its many unsung mentors – for shaping his path.

“If it weren’t for all those people – teachers, coaches, parents, neighbors – I wouldn’t be who I am. Lansing gave me my values. That’s why I come back. That’s why I’ll never forget.”

As part-owner of the Dodgers and Commanders, Johnson’s competitive fire hasn’t dimmed. And with both franchises poised for playoff pushes this year, he could soon add more championships to his résumé.

But, as he noted with a smile, Detroit might have something to say about that.

“I think the Lions and Tigers are right there,” he said. “The Pistons are coming. It’s a great time for Michigan sports.”

And when Michigan State travels to the LA Coliseum this fall to face USC, Johnson knows exactly where he’ll be.

“I can’t wait. I’m excited for football on all fronts. Pro, college – you name it.”

Johnson closed the interview with a message to his hometown.

“Lansing, thank you,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else. You shaped me. You supported me. And I’ll always be proud to call this place home.”

He also gave shoutouts to longtime friends Dale Beard, James Stokes, and others helping organize the car show.

“I just live in LA,” Johnson said. “But I’m from Lansing.”

In an era of headlines and highlights, it’s rare to hear from someone who can talk about fame and humility in the same breath. But Earvin “Magic” Johnson hasn’t just built a legacy on basketball courts and boardrooms – he’s built it on loyalty, love, and Lansing.

And that might be his most magical legacy of all.

Event Details:

• Earvin Johnson Sr. Community Car & Truck Show
• Union Missionary Baptist Church, South MLK Blvd., Lansing
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Free admission
• Trophies, food, music, and classic cars
• Benefiting Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors & Santa’s First Responders