From Addiction To Advocacy: Magic Johnson’s Brother Larry Johnson Overcame Substance Abuse To Inspire Others Through Brotherhood Against Drugs

Magic Johnson's brother Larry Johnson spent over 31 years working as a lineman and inspector of General Motors Lasing Delta Assembly.

May 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 22, 2026

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 , 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,

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, 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!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) "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 .

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.

• Check other Articles on

Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

Related articles

May 18, 2026

May 18, 2026

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 18, 2026 Dalton, a graduate of Paynesville High School, passed away at 30. Dalton was born on July 26, 1995, in Paynesville, Minnesota. His childhood was filled...

- May 18, 2026 A Palm Beach Gardens mother is speaking out after her daughter was reportedly mocked, barked at, and filmed by other girls during a local...

- May 15, 2026 Jerry Lee Singleton, a 1974 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he was a standout athlete, has passed away at 70. Singleton was born on...

- May 15, 2026 Residents living along Blackwell Road in Huthwaite are calling for urgent action after a group of children was repeatedly caught kicking front doors and...

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...