Magic Johnson Looking to Leave Lakers

It was bound to happen. Given Magic Johnson’s ever growing business acumen and the perpetual grip the Buss family has on the Los Angeles Lakers, you knew it was only a matter of time until the Magic Man was going to have to leave the coup in order to spread his wings.

In a recent interview, Magic expressed his desire to have a bigger stake in an NBA franchise.

"“I’ll still be a Laker forever.  If there’s a chance for me to go run a team, if I felt that’s what I wanted to do, would I take it? Yeah, if the right situation came. I know one day that’s gonna probably happen. I love being with Dr. Buss and the Buss family and working with them, but I know one day something is going to happen. I can definitely see me not being with the Lakers, yeah.”"

Magic was rumored to have been in discussions with his hometown Detroit Pistons regarding possible ownership or a front office position. I think it’s safe to say that Magic would have drafted Melo over Darko, but that’s another conversation all together.

The Lakers are the only franchise Johnson has ever kown during his pro career. After retiring, Magic set out to firmly establish himself in the Los Angeles business community and did so with great success. His accomplishments eventually allowed Johnson to purchase a small share of the Lakers.

Aside from the countless fans that would surely miss seeing Magic courtside, it might be Dr. Jerry Buss that would miss his presence most. Buss has been an instrumental figure in Johnson’s professional life and expressed his regret knowing that it is only a matter of time until the right offer comes along for Magic.

"“I think he [Magic] would always have a temptation to run the show. He’s a pretty aggressive guy. On the other hand, he loves the Lakers. It’s such a hard decision for him. I don’t know which way that’s going to go.”"

Whatever the future may bring for Magic is there any doubt success will follow him no matter where he goes? In addition to being one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Johnson is also one of the more shrewd businessmen to ever come out of the sports world.

No matter what happens Magic Johnson will always be a Laker and will always be welcomed with open arms in Los Angeles. Magic’s roots might be in Michigan but his heart will always be in L.A.