Lakers News: Magic Johnson Left Billions On Table With This Failed Nike Deal
On a recent episode of Showtime Basketball's All The Smoke Podcast, two former Lakers discussed the elder's botched shoe deal that would've made him more than a pretty penny.
Discussing which brand to sign with for his shoe deal when deciding out of the draft, Laker legend Magic Johnson was told by a former member of purple and gold in Matt Barnes that this choice was definitely the wrong one.
Though Converse was the popular choice at the time for stars like Johnson and his long time rival Larry Bird, the former Michigan State Spartan couldn't have predicted multiple billions gone in a flash.
Regardless of this failed deal, Johnson still dominated the hardwood no matter what shoe he was wearing.
Ushering in a flashier style of play with big man Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the Lakers were dubbed Showtime by many and their legacy still persists to this day.
A five-time NBA champion, a three-time regular season and Finals MVP and nine-time First Team All-NBA, Johnson and Bird helped usher in a new era for the league with legendary battles in the Finals to dominate the 1980s.
After being forced into retirement due to a medical condition, Johnson transitioned to a coaching career with the Lakers to mixed results.
With his coaching tenure less than fruitful, Johnson went on to become an investor in multiple franchises.
Of his purchases, Johnson's been a part of the Dodgers' MLB ownership group, the LA Sparks, the Lakers and the Commanders of the NFL more recently.
Johnson himself said that while he still made more than his fair share with his shrewd business practices, he also relented that an easier way to make his money would've been a better way to live.
Though players such as current Laker LeBron James popularized the Nike brand in the decades after Magic, we're sure the Laker legend still sleeps peacefully at night with his own legacy secured.
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