Lakers Legend Strongly Feels Michael Jordan, LeBron, Pat Mahomes, D. Wade and More Millionaire-Athletes Have a Hefty Moral Duty to Fulfill

For athletes, life after their sports careers can be tough to navigate. While some fizzle out quickly, others fare far better. Names like Michael Jordan, and Dwyane Wade went the route of buying franchises, with LeBron James expected to follow suit. On the other hand, Shaquille O’Neal chose to dabble in a bit of everything. Business, media, entertainment, music, you name it. Recently, one of the original mainstream icons spoke about these stars’ responsibility.

Today, our athletes are among some of the most powerful people in the world. Whether it be from a financial perspective, or in terms of reach, athletes continue to grow in stature. But, like Peter Parker has heard a million times, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Athletes’ duty to spread the message forward

According to arguably the greatest point guard of all time, Magic Johnson, that responsibility is spreading a message. A message of knowledge, on how to excel in business, the way athletes have been on the court for years. Someone taught Magic the ropes, and he sent the message forward. Now, it is the duty of our current athletes to carry on the task.

Whether it be a documentary or investment, the avenues are abundant. The main task is not to let it go to waste. As Magic highlighted in his interview with the LA Times, “My job now because I got help, is to help others. I also want to dispel the myth that we can dominate on the court or on the field but we can?t dominate in business.”

He further gave examples of some of the biggest sporting names in the country. He said, “You see what [Kansas City quarterback] Patrick Mahomes is doing. You see what LeBron is doing. Michael Jordan…Shaq, he?s doing a great job. Dwyane Wade, I mentored D-Wade. He came to my office. Grant Hill. I talked to Kevin Durant. I want them to be successful. If I have the knowledge, if I have the expertise, it?s my job to then pass that on, and then when you get it, it?s their job to pass it on.”

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While the notion was true for the longest time, athletes have taken the narrative into their own hands. As a result, we see more and more of them enjoy an uber-successful post-sports career. In fact, just in the last couple of years, a lot of NBA stars in particular have taken an active jump towards owning NBA teams.

LeBron James to join Dwyane Wade and Michael Jordan ownership ranks?

Magic was the original, owning a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a long time. However, his partnership changed as he focused on a different sport, instead opting towards a GM role with the Lakers. But he set an example for many to follow.

Most notably, of course, Michael Jordan, whose decade-plus tenure with the Charlotte Hornets finally came to an end a few days ago. However, he wasn’t the only one. Dwyane Wade took on an ownership role with the Utah Jazz a few years ago as well.

His former teammate, Udonis Haslem, has expressed his desire to become an active owner of their beloved franchise, the Miami Heat. Cleveland’s own, LeBron James, seems like a surefire bet to enter the discussion. Even though he’s long prophesied his desire towards it, the days to owning an NBA franchise appear closer than ever.

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Perhaps the message that Johnson took upon himself to spread has reached the right ears. More importantly, however, is the hope that it continues to transmit through future generations.