“Anthony Davis Is Making That in 1 Season”: ESPN Veteran’s Magic Johnson Shoutout Puts New Elite Status Into Perspective

Magic Johnson is not the first NBA player to reach billionaire status but it doesn’t make his accomplishment any less awe-worthy. Magic’s riches come from his sound business acumen. To put his status into perspective, an ESPN veteran compared his career earnings to that of the highest-paid pro to wear Purple and Gold.

While multiple NBA pros are out-earning legends like Magic, entering the exclusive billionaire athletes club is a different feat. Stephen A. Smith had to remind his followers how big of a leap Magic took to that club.

Lakers star out-earns Magic Johnson

Stephen A. Smith couldn’t skip Magic Johnson’s newly-minted status on his podcast this week. Magic’s net worth jumped from $600 million to $1.2 billion, putting him at par with Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James. As Smith put it, “That’s very elite company.“ 

A big fan of Magic, Smith listed his career trajectory towards his new status. The sportscaster reminded fans that it’s Johnson’s knack for business that got him there and it’s not his achievements as a basketball player alone.

“You have to remember that Magic Johnson, in his 13-year career compiled about $40 million. You would pay different funds back then,” explained the ESPN analyst. He’s on point.

As Smith would further elaborate his statement by saying, “Anthony Davis is making that in one season.” Davis signed a contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $189 million for five years. He will make at least $40 million in the 2023-24 season.

In contrast, Magic Johnson, who led the early Lakers dynasty in the Showtime era, made just under that much in his entire NBA career. He had a lot of playtime left but he retired in his prime in 1991 after revealing his HIV diagnosis. With three retirements in his career, he officially played for 13 seasons. His total NBA earnings are just about $40 million.

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As Smith would reiterate, one of the greatest point guards ever earned way less than AD will one season. Moreover, Davis is earning $22 million more than Magic. Before his retirement, Magic’s salary was around $2.5 million.

That’s why Johnson reaching that status is, as Smith puts it, “has been utterly, absolutely, positively magnificent.” But how does Magic reach there with lackluster NBA earnings? Smith would like to know.

Stephen Smith entices Magic to his show

As Jordan’s earnings came from his sneaker empire, Magic Johnson’s earnings came from other business investments.

Besides having ownership stakes in the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Magic is also an investor and franchisee in Starbucks, Burger King, 24 Hour Fitness, and Equitrust. Smith would like a lesson in that.

Saying it’s been a minute since they’ve spoken, Smith congratulated him. “I hope that he comes on this show one day and gives his words of wisdom espousing his brilliance.” He probably missed the tickets to Johnson’s keynote address, ‘Magic of Winning,’ in Vegas.

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Magic Johnson’s brilliance is all anyone can talk about lately. Hopefully, Smith can get him on his show soon to dish some life-altering advice.