“I have the blueprint. Can everybody do it? No, no, they don’t.” Magic Johnson made it clear the reason behind his billion-dollar net worth is his work ethic. The same plan Johnson passed on to Shaquille O’Neal, who revealed that it has been ‘Shaqtified‘ to create his own success. So, from very early on, Johnson realized he had to build his wealth since he came from a not-so-wealthy background. He even shared the dream with his Showtime teammates, which Michael Cooper revealed.
“This is myself, Byron, Magic, for the end of our career, started talking about what we wanted to do after basketball. And Magic said ‘I want to be a very successful businessman.’ Boom, look at him today,” Michael Cooper revealed on Byron Scott’s Fast Break. Cooper and Magic Johnson were instrumental in the Lakers’ history, as they helped the Purple and Gold achieve 5 titles in their era. Not just the Michigan State graduate, but Byron Scott and Cooper also achieved their dream role post-NBA career.
“B said he wanted to coach in the NBA, did a hell of a job there, coached some of the greatest players that ever played this game. I said I wanted to be a WNBA coach, women’s coach. And you know what? God has been good to us because he let us all realize our dreams,” revealed Cooper. Magic Johnson knew from early on that he had to do something different from other players.
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“I did something different from most athletes. I got me a true business manager to teach me,” said Johnson. Earlier this year, the 3x MVP spoke to BBC News about his entrepreneurial success. He also emphasized gaining knowledge every time he meets somebody new. Further, he emphasized feeling honored to be in the position, which was far from the scenario he grew up in.
The only Rookie to win the Finals MVP got the learnings from the late Lakers owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, stating that the guidance and mentorship were the reason why he is successful today. That’s why he even added another team to his ever-growing portfolio.
Magic Johnson and his search for rings continues
In 2023, Magic Johnson achieved the Billionaire status. He became one of the four athletes to join the exclusive billionaires’ club. That year, he also became the co-owner of Washington Commanders. The Los Angeles Lakers legend continued his spending spree and added the NWSL team to his portfolio.
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Magic Johnson: Is his business acumen more impressive than his legendary basketball career?
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“I love helping the athletes transition from their sport to hopefully business or whatever they want to do after their time being an athlete,” said Magic Johnson on CBS Mornings. Important thing is to note that Michele Kang is the first woman of color to hold a majority stake in an NWSL team. “I love sports. I love to be in the ownership because it’s important that they see minorities in an ownership position,” added Johnson.
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That’s why Magic was eager to work with Kang with the Washington Spirit. Thus, adding Spirit to the list alongside the already mentioned Commanders (NFL). Not to forget, Magic Johnson also has shown love to LA, by investing in Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), Los Angeles FC (MLS), and Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), who he also dubbed to be his favorite out of all the teams. And he dreams of adding more championships to the previous 14 World Championships secured.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
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Magic Johnson: Is his business acumen more impressive than his legendary basketball career?