Childhood love vs your ownership loyalty: Magic Johnson is in a tricky situation this Saturday night. For fans of the NBA legend, it’s no secret that Michigan holds a special place in his heart. He became a hometown hero in the state, dazzling on the court for Everett High School and Michigan State before launching a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers. So it’s understandable he would’ve rooted for the Detroit Lions growing up as an NFL fan. But now, he’s stepping into Ford Field in a different role. One that pits his childhood love against his professional loyalty.

Johnson left no doubt about where his allegiance lies, though. “Good luck to my [Washington] Commanders as we compete against the team I grew up cheering for today, the Detroit Lions,” he wrote on X.

It’s a bittersweet homecoming for Magic Johnson, who announced his plans to attend the divisional playoff game soon after Washington’s wild-card victory over Tampa Bay. “Cookie and I are excited to head back home to Michigan for our next matchup against the Lions,” he had shared with fans. Thus showing that even as an opposing owner, Michigan still feels like home.

For those unaware, the former Lakers star joined the ownership group led by Josh Harris that bought the Commanders in 2023 for $6.05 Billion. And let’s just say, they’ve made waves. With bold leadership moves—including hiring a new general manager and head coach—the Commanders have gone from struggling to thriving.

This season, they posted an impressive 12-5 record. And clinched their first playoff win since 2006, defeating the Buccaneers in style. After the victory, Magic Johnson celebrated with the team, praising Josh Harris for reshaping the franchise’s culture.“The culture changed,” Johnson said proudly. “You went from a losing culture to a winning culture.”

Magic Johnson was heavily upset with the Commanders’ performance in season 2023

For four years, it’s said Ron Rivera had the final say over football and personnel decisions for the Commanders. But after the team’s disastrous 2023 season, fans had seen enough. Can you blame them, though? The team managed just four wins in 17 games, and Rivera became the focal point of their frustration.

Unsurprisingly, the franchise parted ways with him on January 8, thus bringing an end to his tenure. While the official statement regarding the decision came from Josh Harris, Johnson, too, wasn’t happy with the state of his partly owned team in season 2023.

The Commanders’ struggles weren’t just about the losses—they ended the season on an eight-game losing streak that had fans and owners alike shaking their heads. Magic Johnson’s frustration boiled over as early as October, following a tough loss to New York. “Disappointing 14-7 loss for my Commanders to the NY Giants. It’s hard to win in the NFL when you only score 7 points,” he posted.

And this was just one among the many tweets he posted during the regular season in frustration. It’s clear Magic has had high ambitions and expectations for his franchise, which he is not giving up even for his childhood love, Detroit Lions.