'Only' You! New York Knicks - Not Lakers - Would Be Magic Johnson Choice in NBA Ownership

In a hypothetical dive into NBA team ownership, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson would interested in one team and one team only: the New York Knicks.

If not for the Los Angeles Lakers, Madison Square Garden might've become the latest Magic kingdom.

Retirement has been anything but downtime for NBA legend Magic Johnson: in addition to his work in public health and philanthropy, Johnson is involved in the ownership groups of several professional sports teams. Included in Johnson's portfolio are the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and the Washington Commanders (NFL).

It's perhaps surprising that no NBA team sits under Johnson's oversight, especially considering his storied professional career. If Johnson, 64, was to take that plunge, he'd be willing to invest in only the New York Knicks, as he stands impressed by the ongoing support and knowledge of the franchise's renowned fanbase. 

“The only team I would actually probably think about is the New York Knicks," Johnson told Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press while in New York for a YMCA event. "I think because of the way fans love basketball you might have to think about that one because I love coming to New York and going to the Garden and watching the Knicks play."

Johnson (L) greets then-Knicks guard Courtney Lee prior to a game at Madison Square Garden / Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

“I love being with fans who are so passionate about their team and the Knick fans are, and they’re smart. They’re smart basketball fans and so that one I would have to think about. I think that other than that, I would probably never think about ever being a part of another franchise ... That one you would really have to think about, in terms of being a minority owner of that team."

So what's stopping Johnson from conjuring a stake in the Knicks? For one thing, current Knicks owner James Dolan has been steadfast in his desire to maintain ownership of the franchise, reiterating his lack of desire earlier this week. Even if Dolan was interested in selling, however, Johnson doesn't see himself able to compete against his beloved Lakers, who hosted all 13 seasons of his legendary NBA career. (1979-92, 1995-96).

"Other than (the Knicks), I would just stay with the Lakers," Johnson said. "Even with my role now, just being a fan, I’m happy just doing that with the Lakers because, again, I bleed purple and gold.” 

Johnson remains one of the most beloved and renowned Lakers of all time and has held several managerial roles within the organization both on and off the court. That includes stints as a part-owner, head coach, and president of basketball operations, holding the latter-most role at the end of the last decade. Under Johnson's watch, the Lakers acquired LeBron James and built a team that later earned the franchise's record-tying and most recent 17th championship in 2020.