Following Shaquille O’Neal, Another Lakers Legend Admits Huge Desire to Invest Millions Like the 7-ft Giant

Once the gates of dominance were shut on his NBA career, Shaquille O’Neal marched into the business world. Becoming one of the most successful athletes turned investors, Big Diesel’s net worth has shot up to around $450 million. However, his love for basketball still keeps him close to the game. Apart from being an analyst for TNT, Shaq revealed he wants the keys to a franchise in the future. And he isn’t the only Los Angeles Lakers legend with the same dream.

Magic Johnson is highly regarded as one the best point guards ever to touch the NBA floor. With magic running through his fingertips, his flashy passes won fans over. A three-time league MVP, Johnson was the commander of the iconic Showtime Lakers. Similar to Shaq, Johnson too dived into the art of investing. Maybe Laker legends are bound to be successful in their business ventures, as Johnson grew his net worth to a whopping $600 million.

In fact, it was Johnson who got Shaquille O’Neal in line and advised him to use his $292 million salary collection for investing. And it seems even his dreams followed the habits. While on the ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast, the five-time NBA champion revealed his strong desire to own an NBA team in the coming years. However, a major factor seems to be holding him back.

Do the two Lakers legends have the same dream?

Beyond his artistry in the basketball world, Johnson has made several investments in the sporting community. And they may be a little biased. His first stint was a 10% stake in the Lakers. He then bought LAFC, a Major League Soccer team. However, his most pricey of them all was arguably the LA Dodgers. Johnson chipped in with an investing group in the 2.5 billion dollar takeover.

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Hence, the Lakers legend has quite some experience on his hands. Likewise, when NFL legend Shannon Sharpe brought up the idea of owning an NBA team, the 63-year-old was quick to answer. He said: “I do, just the right situation. But I’m such a Laker fan I don’t know. I’ve had four opportunities, and I have turned them all down.”

Johnson’s love for the Los Angeles Lakers is what seems to be curbing the 12-time All-Star from fulfilling his dream. While he is open to helping others out, the purple and gold crest holds a special place in his heart. Spending his entire career with the Lakers, he remains to be a true fan. Moreover, he even served as the president of basketball operations and won a further five championships as a minority owner of the Lakers.

Hence, we might never see Magic Johnson’s name outside an owner’s office. However, with the same dream and a special connection, the Lakers might need both Shaq and Johnson to fix things up. As the 17-time champion continues to struggle, two franchise legends could just make the difference. While the Big Diesel recently revealed his hefty price tag to become a coach, Johnson remains an advisor on Jeanie Buss’ side.

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Do you think the Lakers could benefit from a Magic-Shaq duo to lead the troops? Let us know your views in the comments below.