Magic Johnson has been in the NBA business for several years. It all started when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and whatever conspired after that is history. During his career, Johnson was swift and very intelligent. Today, he is regarded as one of the best passers in NBA history and the greatest point guard of all time. Several athletes have challenged his legacy over the years, however, none have been able to match it.
Johnson was one of those players that put the Lakers on the map while the NBA struggled to remain popular. Several people doubted his toughness, but he managed to prove everybody wrong. He ended up becoming a 5x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 3x League MVP, 12x All-Star, 4x Assists Leader, and 2x Steals Leader. He also earned himself two gold medals while playing for the Team USA Basketball.
Magic Johnson played his final season in 1996 and stayed loyal to the Lakers franchise throughout his career. His love for the Lakers overflowed as he purchased a 5% share of the franchise back in 1994. However, the $10 million purchase was sold in 2010 for an undisclosed sum. Sources claim that it was only a smart business decision but never disclosed why he chose to sell his share. Johnson eventually joined the Lakers’ front office in 2017 but stepped down as the general manager in 2019.
Magic Johnson calls dibs on the Lakers’ ownership despite selling his stake in 2010
When Magic Johnson stepped down from his post as the Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations, people expected both parties to generate bad blood. But things haven’t changed between him and the organization. Johnson did not do too well as a general manager and he chose to be the team’s ambassador instead. Ever since selling his share, Johnson has purchased stakes in other sports teams.
He recently opened up about possibly investing in the Lakers once again. He told Sports Illustrated, “If there’s an opportunity, first I’d definitely go with the Lakers, because that’s who I am. I’ve been a part of the family for 40 years.” The $620 million net worth sports figure also mentioned he has an interest in buying another team.
Magic Johnson tells @AP that his love for the Lakers he has led him to pass on multiple NBA ownership chances – but he would be interested in owning the Knicks.
“The only team I would actually probably think about is the New York Knicks.” pic.twitter.com/ehLWQEYWRh
— The Strickland (@TheStrickland) September 26, 2023
“If I ever decide to do something that’s not with the Lakers, I’d probably only do something with the Knicks because I love the fanbase, I love the Garden and what the Knicks organization stands for. But you know I’m a Lakers man through and through,” he said.
It would be great to see Magic Johnson go either way. For the Lakers, it would be special to have him around as an owner, especially because of their history. The Knicks would benefit from his arrival as he could also help attract most stars to the franchise. Johnson played a part in LeBron James‘ signing with the Lakers, which means he could bring a massive change in New York as well.