Magic Johnson declined job offers from other NBA teams prior to joining Lakers
By Nam Tran
Magic Johnson says that he was offered multiple jobs from other NBA teams prior to him being hired by the Los Angeles Lakers, but declined them all because he is a “Laker.”
The Los Angeles Lakers have a special place in Magic Johnson’s heart. During his time with the team in the 1980s, he was crowned the NBA’s MVP three times, he won five championships, and he was voted to be an All-Star multiple times. After his playing career, he continued to show support for the organization, and earlier this year, he was hired to be the team’s president of basketball operations.
During an interview with ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday, Johnson revealed just how much pride he takes in being a Laker. He said that prior to him being hired by the Lakers, he was offered multiple jobs, but decided to decline them all because he couldn’t work for any other team.
"“I turned down three jobs. My good friends Peter and Joe bought the Golden State Warriors. They came to me I want you to be an owner, a partner with us I said no I’m a Laker. My friends bought the Detroit Pistons, Tom Gores, and a Michigan State guy. Come on home it would be a great story, I can’t I’m a Laker. I could have owned other teams.”"
The Lakers have been having a rough few years. They failed to make the playoffs the last four seasons and haven’t been to the NBA Finals since 2010 (this was also the last time they won a championship). However, they have a really good young core to build around, and all Johnson expects from his team this season is to get better.
In the same interview with ESPN, he said that the Lakers do not need to make the playoffs to be successful this season. They just need to progressively improve.
"“It’s going to be tough for us because the West is better, but I’m not gauging our team based on if we make the playoffs or not,” Johnson said. “As long as we get better, week-to-week, month-to-month, and keep growing.”"
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The Lakers will have a tough time next season, especially since the Western Conference is so talented, and they’re so young and inexperienced. But if they take Johnson’s advice and continually get better, they will be a force to be reckoned with in a few years.