While the sting of the most recent finals matchup between the Lakers and Celtics still lingers for Boston fans, perhaps the most thrilling defeat of the Celtics came at the hands of one of the greatest Lakers, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
It was game 4 of the ’87 Finals, with seven seconds left on the clock Magic took the inbound pass to the left of the key and feigned a 20-foot jumper, running around Kevin McHale he drove into the key and lifted a shot which just cleared the fingertips of McHale and Robert Parish.
The Lakers took the lead, on Magic’s clutch, running baby sky-hook.
It’s a shot that cemented Johnson’s status as one-of-the-greats, captured the respect of fans and placed him at the same level as Larry Bird. Even non-Lakers fans could see why a city that was bred to bleed Dodger blue became so infatuated with Johnson’s “Showtime” Lakers.
I’d be lying to you if I said I witnessed that game live as it streamed from my parents TV set; I was only three. For me, the play-by-play in the opening line comes to fruition on the occasional Sunday night classics game, but the sentiment behind the meaning of that shot is the same regardless of time and place.
You know the outcome of the game, you know that eventually five days later Johnson claims his third NBA championship, but watch nonetheless because at six-foot-nine, with the ability to play five positions, you know there’s never going to be another player like Johnson in your lifetime.
Like any great iconic figure, his on-and-off the court persona, 1,000 watt smile and infectious charisma meshed so well with the city of Los Angeles and its residents that he’s remained relevant years after hanging his jersey, seamlessly bridging the gap between generations.
That’s easier said than done in a city famous for dropping people like cell phone companies drop calls.
After spending 13 seasons in a Lakers uniform, Johnson’s presence was still felt in the community through his countless charitable contributions, business endeavors and in acquiring a piece of the Lakers in June 1994, representing about 4.5 percent of the franchise.
Next: Magic sells his share of the Lakers
Monday, however, news surfaced that Johnson sold his share of the Lakers franchise to longtime season-ticket holder, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. The news comes as some-what of a shock to Lakers fans who never saw a transaction like this coming. Now, the possibility of using his earnings to acquire majority ownership in another NBA team is rumored and looms over the minds of Lakers fans seeing their legend slowly slipping away.
“I am truly humbled to have been a Lakers player for 13 years and an owner for over 10 years,” Johnson said in a statement. “This was a bittersweet business decision made on behalf of my family and myself, and I want to assure all the wonderful and loyal Lakers fans that my decision will in no way affect my dedication and support for the Los Angeles Lakers. I am and will always be a Laker for life.”
Reassuring words for Lakers fans, but is it only a matter of time before Johnson, a native of Michigan, is whisked away by the Detroit Pistons or another ready-available NBA team?
Three months ago, Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com reported that Johnson had been part of a group targeting the sale of the Golden State Warriors. More recently, the media was made aware of Johnson’s interest in possibly joining a group, led by Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, attempting to acquire the Detroit Pistons.
“Somebody back there has to be the majority owner. Be the owner,” Johnson told NBA.com last August. “That wouldn’t be me. But if Ilitch or somebody said, ‘Hey, can you come and think about helping Joe Dumars?’ then I would think about it.”
Breaking his ties with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss seemed like a long-shot at the time, Johnson indicated that a position outside the Lakers organization either as an owner or in management wasn’t out of the question pending it was the “right situation.” The move was difficult to imagine, yet here we are two months later reporting on Johnson making a deal for an undisclosed amount, which according to his agent was too good to pass up.
Next: Magic to stay a Laker for life
Some Lakers fans have already drop-kicked former Laker Shaquille O’Neal to the curb upon news of him signing with the Celtics. It remains to be seen what the fall-out, if any, would be should Johnson’s rumored collaboration with the Ilitch-led group actually happen. Granted, the Pistons aren’t the Celtics and Shaquille O’Neal isn’t Magic Johnson.
In the mind of many a Lakers fan, Johnson can do no wrong. He’s earned that privilege, but it wouldn’t be quite the same having to see him wheel and deal for another team. The fact is, regardless of what the future holds Johnson will always remain an iconic figure in the city of Los Angeles. Just like Johnson owned a piece of the Lakers, so to do the Lakers fans own a piece of Johnson in memories and highlight reels.
No matter what connections he makes by purchasing majority ownership in another team, his greatest contributions to the game, at least for the time being, remain while wearing the purple and gold. During his peak, he lifted basketball to new heights in the 80’s and captured a generation of Lakers fans, who flocked to the fabulous Forum to witness the most breathtaking player who ever ran the fast break dish the ball to his teammates.
For the time being, as Johnson and the Lakers organization have indicated, although he steps down as minority owner, he remains vested in the team, keeping his title as vice president. Johnson’s long-time agent, Lon Rosen told ESPNLosAngeles.com that the sale of ownership was not a response to any other investments.
“Earvin is still going to be very connected with the Lakers,” Rosen said. “This really was just a smart business decision.”