In a monumental move that echoes through basketball history, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and the Buss family have officially announced the return of Magic Johnson — not as a player, coach, or executive, but this time as a co-owner of the storied franchise.
The announcement, made during a special press event at Crypto.com Arena, marks a powerful homecoming for the man widely considered the face of Showtime basketball. Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest point guards in league history, now steps into a formal leadership role, decades after defining an era in purple and gold.
Jeanie Buss described the decision as deeply personal and strategic. “Magic has always been part of the Lakers family. Now, he’s officially back where he belongs — helping lead this team into the future.” She added that Johnson’s return represents more than a symbolic reunion, calling it a “partnership built on legacy, leadership, and love for this franchise.”
While details of Johnson’s ownership stake remain undisclosed, sources close to the organization say his role will include active input in major organizational decisions — from basketball operations to community outreach initiatives and player development culture.
Magic Johnson’s previous roles with the Lakers, including a high-profile but ultimately brief stint as President of Basketball Operations, ended amid controversy in 2019. This time, however, insiders suggest that his position will be less managerial and more visionary — focused on shaping the identity and direction of the franchise, not the day-to-day mechanics.
The reaction from Laker Nation has been swift and emotional. Fans flooded social media with messages of excitement, nostalgia, and hope. For many, Magic’s return rekindles memories of a golden era and offers renewed optimism as the franchise looks to reassert its dominance in a post-LeBron world.
Still, some analysts caution that while the emotional weight of Johnson’s return is undeniable, success will depend on how the organization integrates his influence into a modern NBA front office structure. But for now, the overwhelming sentiment is one of celebration.
As Magic Johnson himself put it during the press conference, smiling ear to ear: “I’ve always been a Laker — now I’m officially back home to help lead the next chapter. Let’s get to work.”
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