Despite Refusing to Gamble, Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Unveils Bizarre Vegas Story Where He Hustled Billionaire Jerry Buss Out of $15,000

NBA legend Magic Johnson recently revealed that he once made a huge profit without putting in a single effort. Johnson said that he had made about $15,000 during one of his trips to Sin City. Interestingly, he hadn’t made a single dollar from gambling, but rather from his companion and former Lakers owner, Jerry Buss. Johnson shared this story in the latest episode of the ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ show which was released on October 11, 2022.

Magic Johnson had a close-knit relationship with the then-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss. Johnson entered the league in 1979 as the overall number one pick in the NBA draft. The previous owner of the Lakers, Jack Kent Cooke selected Johnson as part of the deal with Buss. Since then, the duo maintained a great relationship till Buss’ death in 2013.

Such was their bond that Johnson referred to Buss as his second father. Johnson stated that Buss was the reason he was a businessman and he felt indebted to him. Magic also revealed that when he announced his abrupt retirement in 1991, it was Buss who took it the hardest.

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“I had never seen Dr. Buss cry until that moment. That showed me he loved me and cared for me, my well being. …Every time I had a high or low moment, he was there,” said Johnson.

Magic Johnson makes money in a casino without gambling

Magic Johnson recently recalled the time he went to Las Vegas with former Los Angeles Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss. Magic said that he and Buss would fly in a commercial plane to go to Las Vegas for gambling. The former Lakers star revealed that once they reached the casino, Buss sat on the baccarat table, whereas Johnson sat behind him. Buss then gave Magic $5000 worth of chips and encouraged him to gamble. However, rather than using the chips in gambling, the five-time NBA champion simply kept the chips with him. This went on for three days and by then, Johnson had earned $15,000 simply by sitting in the casino.

Thinking that Buss had no idea about the way Johnson had made the small fortune, the NBA star felt that he had managed to trick Buss. However, his misunderstanding was soon cleared when he received a call from Buss’ daughter. Magic recalled that Jerry Buss was on his deathbed when he asked to see Johnson.

“So I go see him and first thing he says Jimmy, he says, ‘Magic, I knew you were gonna make it well in business. All the times I gave you those chips, I knew you were cashing them in,'” said Johnson.

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Johnson said he was glad that Kimmel had bought it up as he had never talked about it before publicly. Furthermore, Johnson said that it was a great moment for both Buss and him as they were laughing and crying at the same time.