Magic Johnson, a living legend of the Los Angeles Lakers, just sent shockwaves through the basketball world. In a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, he admitted he’s interested in becoming the owner of an NBA franchise-even if it’s not the team he’s always been associated with.
“I’m interested in the Lakers, but you know what? I might also be interested in another team, depending on who the owner is,” Johnson said.
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His comments come at a time when several NBA teams are changing hands. Michael Jordan sold the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. After that, Mark Cuban sold his stake in the Dallas Mavericks, and more recently, the Celtics’ ownership group made changes.
With this context, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think that the Lakers could be sold in the future-especially if Jeanie Buss, the team’s current owner, decides to step aside.
Magic doesn’t rule out the Knicks if James Dolan steps down
During his conversation with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, Magic went even further: he said that if New York Knicks owner James Dolan ever decides to sell, he’d be first in line to buy.
He also revealed he’s turned down several ownership opportunities in the past out of loyalty to the Lakers.
“I’ve been a Laker all my life. The Warriors approached me, I had dinner with Joe Lacob, but I told him, ‘I can’t own the Warriors. I’m a Laker,'” Johnson shared.
Now, the story might be different. Magic admitted he has deep respect for New York and the passion of the Knicks’ fanbase. And if Jeanie Buss doesn’t manage to bring the Lakers back to their winning ways, Johnson could be the one to challenge them from another franchise.
The NBA prepares for expansion, and Las Vegas is a frontrunner
Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has openly discussed the possibility of league expansion in the coming years. One city stands out as a strong candidate: Las Vegas.
Steve Hill, president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, confirmed there are at least three credible groups interested in bringing an NBA team to the city:
Magic Johnson speaks at a ceremony honoring Billie Jean King with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday.
“If the NBA decides to expand, Las Vegas is in the best position. We have the experience, the venues, and a strong relationship with the league,” Hill said.
Las Vegas already hosts the NBA Summer League, the Play-In Tournament, and has welcomed several training camps. The city has quietly become a major hub for pro basketball growth.
A new chapter for Magic Johnson?
With new franchises potentially entering the league and Magic Johnson showing serious ownership interest, the NBA landscape could shift dramatically. Will he stay loyal to the Lakers, or make a bold move toward the Knicks-or maybe a new team in Las Vegas?
One thing is certain: Johnson is ready to return to the NBA in a much more powerful role. And if that means competing directly against the Lakers from another bench, he’s not shying away from the challenge.
For Jeanie Buss, this isn’t just a comment in passing-it’s a warning that the greatest icon in Lakers history could become her most formidable rival.
