Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson has never strayed far from the spotlight, but now the Hall of Famer is eyeing a return to the NBA in a different role: ownership. Nearly three decades after playing his final game, the five-time champion revealed he’s seriously interested in joining the league’s ownership ranks.
In a recent interview, Johnson said he would “love” to own an NBA team, even hinting at specific franchises he’d consider, most notably the Lakers and the Knicks. His comments immediately sparked speculation about whether one of basketball’s most iconic figures could soon wield influence not from the bench, but from the boardroom.
Magic Johnson Eyes NBA Ownership, Keeps Door Open for Knicks and Lakers
“I might have to get back into the NBA,” Johnson said on ESPN’s “First Take,” hinting at wanting to own an NBA franchise.
After retiring, Johnson has become known for business acumen, and the 65-year-old already holds equity in numerous professional franchises such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC, and the Los Angeles Spirit.
Given Johnson’s history as a Lakers legend and his stint as team president from 2017 to 2019, the idea of him owning a stake in the franchise is a natural question.
“I’m interested in the Lakers, but you know what? I may be interested in somebody else, too,” Johnson said. “Depending on who the owner is and — .”
Host Stephen A. Smith jumped in during Johnson’s answer to ask if there would be interest in his favorite team, the New York Knicks.
“Can you get a group together and steal them from the Knicks? Could you do that?” Smith asked. “I mean, I would really appreciate it.”
Although the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals this past season, the team hasn’t won a championship in over 50 years, when Johnson was a teenager. If the Knicks were ever to come up for sale, there would be an interest.
“If (James) Dolan ever puts the Knicks up for sale, I’ll be first in line,” he said.
New York has an intriguing core with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges at the top of the lineup, but after Tom Thibodeau’s firing, the team will enter the offseason in search of a new head coach.
Still, Johnson clarified that his loyalty ultimately lies with the Lakers. He admitted he’s been approached multiple times to join an NBA ownership group, notably the Golden State Warriors.
“I’ve been a Laker my whole life,” Johnson said, “Peter [Guber] and them came to see me, and Joe [Lacob], and I had lunch with them. I said, ‘No, I’m a Laker, I can’t own the Golden State Warriors.’ I could’ve been owner of three or four different teams… even right now.
“But my loyalty has been to the Lakers.”
Smith pushed the possibility of the Knicks again, and Johnson played into it.
“Well, I said the Knicks are the Knicks,” Johnson said. “New York is New York. And I love the way the fans respond. This city was on fire.”
In a league where star power increasingly shapes business as much as basketball, Johnson’s next chapter may prove just as game-changing as his first. The same visionary who transformed the point guard position could soon bring his championship pedigree, business acumen, and cultural influence to the front office, this time, as a potential NBA owner.
Whether it’s the Lakers, Knicks, or another marquee franchise, Johnson’s interest signals that “Showtime” might be ready for a new kind of spotlight.
