On February 20, 2025, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson took to Instagram to celebrate his eldest son Andre Johnson’s 44th birthday with a heartfelt message that resonated with fans worldwide. The Los Angeles Lakers icon, known for his dazzling career on the court and his enduring commitment to family, shared a touching tribute accompanied by a series of photos capturing precious father-son moments over the years. The post, which garnered over 95,000 likes and hundreds of comments, including one from former NBA player and coach Mark Jackson, highlighted Magic’s pride in Andre’s accomplishments as a husband, father, and entrepreneur. The message read, “Happy Birthday to my oldest son Andre! You’ve made me so proud of the man, husband, father, and entrepreneur that you’ve become. I can’t wait to see how you continue to evolve over this next year of life. I love you!”

Andre Johnson, born in 1981 to Magic and his then-girlfriend Melissa Mitchell, has carved out a distinct path from his father’s towering basketball legacy. While Magic’s fame as a five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer often dominates headlines, Andre has chosen a quieter life, focusing on business and family. Raised primarily by his mother in Lansing, Michigan, Andre maintained a close relationship with his father, visiting him during summers and later collaborating professionally. He worked at Magic Johnson Enterprises, his father’s investment firm, serving as Vice President of Business Development from 2004 to 2010 and later as Executive Vice President from 2012 to 2014. In 2022, Andre took on a new role as Executive Vice President of Business Development at SimWin Sports, a digital sports league, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andre’s personal life reflects the values of family and community instilled by his father. Married to Lisa Meyers Johnson since 2010, Andre is a devoted father to two children, Gigi and Avery, who often appear in family photos shared by Magic and his wife, Cookie Johnson. A 2021 Father’s Day post from Andre expressed gratitude for Magic’s example as a father and grandfather, stating, “Thank you for being an amazing father to us and pop pop to Gigi and Avery.” The Johnson family’s closeness is evident in their shared moments, from yacht trips in the Mediterranean to celebrations at events like the premiere of Apple’s docuseries They Call Me Magic in 2022, where Andre joined his siblings, EJ and Elisa, and their parents on the red carpet.

Magic’s public expressions of love for his children are a hallmark of his post-basketball life. His Instagram post for Andre’s birthday echoes similar tributes he has shared for his other children, EJ and Elisa, emphasizing unconditional support and pride in their individuality. Andre, unlike his siblings, prefers a low-profile life, but his accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He co-hosts the podcast Please Elaborate with Mike Dupree, discussing culture, sports, and current events, and has ventured into diverse fields like real estate and technology. His wife, Lisa, is a co-founder of Private School Village, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Black and African American families in Los Angeles’ private schools, further highlighting the couple’s commitment to community impact.

The outpouring of support in the comments section of Magic’s post, including messages from fans and notable figures like Mateen Cleaves, underscores the admiration for the Johnson family’s bond. Magic’s ability to balance his storied career with a devoted family life continues to inspire. His 34-year marriage to Cookie Johnson, celebrated with a heartfelt Valentine’s Day tribute in 2025, reflects the same dedication he shows his children. In that post, Magic wrote, “Through every season of life, you’ve been my greatest blessing,” a sentiment that mirrors his words for Andre.

As Andre embarks on another year, Magic’s message serves as a reminder of the power of familial love and support. The NBA icon’s pride in his son’s journey—marked by professional success, a strong marriage, and fatherhood—resonates deeply with fans who see Magic not just as a basketball legend but as a father who cherishes his children’s unique paths. With Andre continuing to build his legacy, Magic’s words, “I can’t wait to see how you continue to evolve,” encapsulate a father’s unwavering belief in his son’s potential.