Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., an American businessman and former NBA star, is known for his exceptional basketball career and as Larry Johnson’s proud brother.
Magic Johnson, born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, US, to father Earvin Sr. and mother Christine, has an older brother, Larry Johnson.
Like Magic Johnson, his brother Larry Johnson dreamed of becoming an NBA star from a very young age, playing at Everett High School.
However, things didn’t seem to work out for him, as a dispute over his playing style resulted in him leaving the sport and becoming an addict.
In an interview, Larry Johnson stated that he started abusing substances and alcohol to medicate his pain of not being able to pursue his career in sports.
Which started as a medication to relieve his pain, soon became an addiction, nearly taking Larry Johnson’s life.
Furthermore, for years, Magic Johnson’s brother Larry Johnson struggled with substance abuse; he also got arrested 14 different times and had suicidal thoughts.
Larry Johnson said,
“I was a drug addict, alcoholic, had a $450 a day habit, overdosed twice, almost died, and so the last time I went to jail, I was facing 20 to 40 years in prison”
Despite years of struggle, Larry Johnson’s life took a positive turn while he was in prison. Witnessing many young men battling addiction made him realize that he needed to clean himself up in order to help others avoid the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.
Magic Johnson’s Brother, Larry Johnson, Became a Renowned Motivational Speaker And Founder Of Brotherhood Against Drugs
With the aim of helping young people with addiction struggles, Larry Johnson founded Brotherhood Against Drugs in 1995 in Los Angeles and has been successfully running the organization for over three decades.
Through Brotherhood Against Drugs, Larry Johnson motivates younger boys and girls at school, churches, prisons, rehabilitation centers, and various other organizations.
Back home in Michigan this weekend to celebrate Father’s Day and my father turning 88 years old with Cookie, my siblings Larry, Michael, Kim, Evelyn, Pearl, and my brother Larry’s wife Jennifer. We enjoyed a great fish fry and barbecue! pic.twitter.com/5Y3cf9jWHW
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2022
"When I see a kid at a restaurant or out shopping and they say, ' Mr. Johnson, thank you for the advice,' man, you got me emotional right now, you know? I just believe in what I do, " said Larry Johnson.Not only does Larry Johnson run the Brother Against Drugs, but he also serves as an independent consultant.
He also served as the business development director and executive assistant of his brother’s Magic Johnson Enterprises for over seven years.
In addition, Larry Johnson served as the Mentor and Consultant of Peckham Vocational School in Greater Lansing for almost 10 years and Juvenile Detention Specialist of Ingham County Youth Center for over nine years.
Through his own story, Larry Johnson continues to inspire many youths and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Magic Johnson is regarded as the greatest point guard of all time and spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
- He won several honorable titles, including five-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and twelve-time NBA All-Star.
- Magic Johnson also won the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games gold medal, representing the United States Men’s basketball team.
