Magic Johnson has long claimed that his love for the Los Angeles Lakers means he would be reluctant to consider owning an NBA team. But that might now be about to change. DailyMail.Com can exclusively reveal that the five-time NBA champion with the Lakers and Hall of Famer could lead an NBA franchise expansion in either Las Vegas or Kansas City.
![[Johnson pictured earlier this month receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/02/94233105-14298839-image-a-1_1737168995782.jpg)
The 65-year-old Johnson has an estimated wealth of $1.6billion and a stunning portfolio of sports teams already to his name, with stakes in the Washington Commanders, LAFC, Los Angeles Sparks and World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers. And that could be about to grow with a highly anticipated foray into basketball. Vegas may appear to be a more natural fit for Johnson on the west coast, with suitors around the city considering joining with him to help raise the estimated $4bn-$6bn needed for a franchise.
![[The 65-year-old Johnson, pictured with wife Cookie, has an estimated wealth of $1.6bn]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/02/94233141-14298839-image-m-5_1737169037893.jpg)
A source told DailyMail.Com: 'Several investment groups in Las Vegas are interested in partnering with him. His extensive experience in sports ownership and his business acumen positions him as a formidable candidate.'. The Vegas sports market is expanding, with Oakland Athletics pushing to relocate there and bring Major League Baseball to Sin City. NFL's Raiders, who recently welcomed Tom Brady as a minority owner, are there with the NHL team Golden Knights and the WNBA team Aces.
