Once a Spartan, always a Spartan. It’s impossible to picture the Lakers without Magic Johnson, and the same goes for his alma mater, Michigan State. The Spartans are battling for an Elite Eight spot, and no one is cheering harder than Magic. Whether he’s hyping them up on social media or cheering courtside, his connection to Michigan State runs deep. Sure, he can’t suit up and hit the court anymore, but that doesn’t stop him from being their loudest supporter. And according to head coach Tom Izzo, Magic isn’t just a fan—he still plays a crucial role for the team.

Speaking of MSU, the roster features several young players, many of whom haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend. But this is a very talented team. After the squad came off its biggest win, Coach Izzo sat down with The Dan Patrick Show for a conversation. When asked about how much Johnson is involved with the team or if he has ever asked the NBA giant to help with recruiting, Izzo responded that he often seeks Johnson’s help. He said, “I ask him all the time, but I really don’t have to ask him he’s always tweeting out something or he’s saying something.” 

“Now they’re actually allowed to help you legally if you come to campus and they get there it used to be where you know we’d be at a football game and just happen that Magic seats were behind the recruit seat but now you can sit right with them as long as they’re on campus but Magic’s been great. I mean a lot of the former players that I coached have been great with it,” Izzo shared as he added that other former players also help their efforts.

No wonder the Lakers legend always speaks so highly of the Spartans—he knows these players inside and out. And they just gave him another reason to be proud. No. 2 seed Michigan State handled business, taking down No. 10 seed New Mexico with a 71-63 win. Under Tom Izzo’s leadership, the Spartans are heading to the Sweet 16—for the 16th time!

But they’re not done yet. If they secure one more win, they’ll be back in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019. You can bet Magic will be watching every second.

It’s the same team that was once led by the Lansing native to a national championship in 1979. And as we said, these aren’t the only ways he likes to support his alma mater.

Magic Johnson helped alma mater with $1 million 

After hanging up his jersey, the 5x NBA champion didn’t just sit back—he built an empire worth $1.2 billion. But for Magic Johnson, success isn’t just about wealth—it’s about giving back.

So when the chance came to support his alma mater, he didn’t hesitate. In 2011, the Lakers legend donated $1 million to help develop the program. And he didn’t stop there. He later contributed another $3 million to push things even further.

“I think that Mark (Hollis) and I have an outstanding relationship, and Tom (Izzo). We all three sat down, and Mark says, ‘I’m going to bring you into the program a lot more.’ I said, ‘OK, I’ve been waiting.’ I gave them a million, then I gave another (donation),” Magic shared.

It’s clear—his heart is still in Michigan State.

The Lakers legend didn’t forget to praise the team and the players when they achieved their first outright 2025 Big Ten win since 2018. These are some of the ways Johnson brings change to Michigan!