Magic Johnson Turned Down Offers From The Knicks And Warriors Before Getting The Lakers Job

It feels like Magic Johnson was always going to be involved with the Los Angeles Lakers somehow, but it turns out the Lake Show’s current team president had a number of other offers before the Lakers finally came calling.

Johnson appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday and said the Lakers were not the only NBA team that wanted the NBA legend to get involved in their team. In fact, it sounds like Johnson had to wait around and turn down some pretty good offers before the Lakers finally came calling.

While a job with the New York Knicks had to be brought up by the panel, Johnson talked about some pretty interesting ownership opportunities he turned down.

“I’m a man that bleeds purple and gold. That loves the Lakers,” said Johnson, who should probably get that checked out. He then let slip some of the teams he could have had a stake or management role with instead of the Lakers.

“I turned down three jobs,” Johnson admitted. “My good friends Peter (Guber) and Joe Lacob bought the Golden State Warriors. They came to me: ‘I want you to be an owner. Be a partner with us.’ I said ‘No, I’m a Laker.”

Considering the success the Warriors have seen without Magic, there’s probably a good contingent of Dubs fans who are pretty glad Magic stated away. But that’s not the only job he could had. Turns out, Magic has a lot of wealthy friends.

“My friends bought the Detroit Pistons: Tom Gores,” Johnson said. “I’m a Michigan State guy. “Come home. It will be a great story, you know. ‘I can’t.’ I’m a Laker.’

“I could have owned other teams,” Johnson said, but noted that he only wanted to be involved with the Lakers.

Johnson’s Laker pride was a huge factor in him taking the job, and he thinks the team is “back” after drafting Lonzo Ball and putting out an impressive Las Vegas Summer League performance. If he’s right, then Lakers fans will certainly be glad he waited for LA to come to its senses.