Magic Johnson has turned down several opportunities to become an owner of NBA teams due to his deep-rooted love for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, there is one exception that intrigues him – the New York Knicks.
During a recent visit to New York for a speaking engagement, Johnson expressed his interest in the Knicks. He stated that the only team he would seriously consider owning apart from the Lakers is the New York Knicks.
This is a significant departure from his previous rejections of ownership offers from the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Atlanta Hawks, all of which he declined to avoid competing with the Lakers.
Magic Johnson’s interest in the Knicks is driven by the passionate and knowledgeable fanbase they have, along with the unique atmosphere of Madison Square Garden. He appreciates the dedication and intelligence of Knicks fans and finds it appealing.
Although he hasn’t discussed this idea with Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman James Dolan and is not actively seeking an ownership opportunity, he would be open to a conversation if it were to arise.
Despite his potential interest in the Knicks, Johnson remains content with his role as a Lakers fan, having served as their president of basketball operations for two seasons before stepping down in 2019.
He emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the Lakers, saying that his connection to the team runs deep.
In terms of the Lakers’ prospects, Magic Johnson believes they have the potential to contend for another NBA championship in the near future and predicts them to be the best team in the Western Conference for the upcoming season.
Aside from his basketball interests, Magic Johnson is a passionate advocate for health education. He recently led a discussion about the risks of RSV, a contagious virus that affects the lungs and respiratory system, causing thousands of deaths annually among adults aged 65 and over.
Johnson believes in the importance of engaging with people directly to promote health awareness, drawing from his past advocacy work related to HIV and AIDS.
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