Magic Johnson first met Jeanie Buss in 1979
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. met Jeanie Buss shortly after the Los Angeles Lakers selected him first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft. Johnson traveled to Los Angeles to meet Lakers owner Jerry Buss after the franchise selected him.
Jeanie later recalled answering the door and meeting Johnson, who was 19 years old at the time. Their introduction became the beginning of a long relationship connected to the Lakers organization.
Magic Johnson planned only three years in L.A.
Johnson told Jeanie he expected to spend only three years with the Lakers before returning to Michigan and joining the Detroit Pistons. The comment surprised her during their first conversation.
Jeanie quickly told Jerry Buss what Johnson had said. Her father had taken control of the Lakers and used the top selection on a player central to his future plans.
Jerry Buss predicted Magic Johnson would stay
Jerry Buss predicted Johnson would change his mind after wearing a Lakers uniform and playing at the Forum. Jeanie remembered her father saying Los Angeles would persuade him to stay.
That prediction proved accurate. Johnson spent his 13-season NBA playing career with the Lakers, won five championships, and became a defining figure of the franchise’s Showtime era in Los Angeles.
Magic Johnson became the top draft pick
The Lakers obtained the 1979 top pick as compensation after Gail Goodrich left for the New Orleans Jazz. Los Angeles then won a coin flip against Chicago for the first choice.
Johnson entered the draft after leading Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA championship over Indiana State. Los Angeles selected him ahead of UCLA forward David Greenwood with the top pick.
Magic Johnson won immediately as a rookie
Johnson made an immediate impact during his rookie season. Los Angeles finished 60-22, reached the 1980 NBA Finals against Philadelphia, and captured the championship during Johnson’s first NBA season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar missed Game Six of the Finals because of an ankle injury, so Johnson took on a larger role. At age 20, he recorded 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Lakers’ championship-clinching victory.
Magic Johnson defined the Showtime era
Johnson became the centerpiece of the Lakers’ Showtime era and won championships in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. He earned 3 regular-season MVP awards and 3 Finals MVP honors.
His career totals reached 17,707 points, 10,141 assists, and 6,559 rebounds. Johnson made 12 All-Star teams and earned 9 All-NBA First Team selections before entering the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Magic Johnson stayed close to Jeanie Buss
Jeanie and Johnson remained close long after their 1979 introduction. Their friendship developed through the Lakers, the Buss family, and Johnson’s involvement with the organization after his playing career ended.
Johnson later recalled Jerry Buss expressing hope that Jeanie and Johnson would eventually lead the Lakers together. That idea became reality in 2017 when Jeanie placed Johnson in charge of basketball operations.
Magic Johnson took charge in 2017
Jeanie Buss appointed Johnson president of basketball operations on February 21, 2017, giving him a leading role in Lakers basketball decisions. The move also ended Jim Buss’ role in basketball operations and Mitch Kupchak’s tenure as general manager.
Johnson reported directly to Jeanie Buss as the Lakers reorganized their front office. The franchise later hired Rob Pelinka as general manager to work alongside Johnson and head coach Luke Walton.
Magic Johnson expected a longer rebuild
Before taking control of basketball operations, Johnson said rebuilding the Lakers could require three to five years. His estimate reflected a franchise developing players after several seasons outside postseason competition.
Johnson ultimately held the presidential role for a little more than two years. During that period, Los Angeles reshaped its roster, created salary flexibility, and pursued stars through free agency.
Magic Johnson helped bring LeBron to L.A.
Johnson’s biggest personnel move came in July 2018, when LeBron James joined the Lakers after leaving Cleveland. James signed a four-year contract worth $153.3 million with Los Angeles that summer.
Johnson met James when free agency opened and helped present the Lakers’ plans. James discussed his respect for Johnson and the franchise history that made Los Angeles an appealing destination.
Fun fact: Magic Johnson said Jerry Buss once invited Michael Jackson to the Forum Club because he wanted Lakers games to feel almost like Disneyland.
Magic Johnson resigned without telling Jeanie
Johnson resigned as president of basketball operations on April 9, 2019, shortly before the Lakers’ final regular-season game. He announced the decision before telling Jeanie, surprising the organization that evening.
Johnson said he wanted freedom and a return to the life he had before taking the executive job. His departure ended a little more than two years of leading basketball operations.
Jeanie Buss kept her bond with Magic
Jeanie later said she did not expect Johnson’s resignation and needed time to decide the Lakers’ next steps. She maintained their relationship while continuing to support general manager Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers thanked Johnson for his service as a player, ambassador, and executive. The organization continued to treat him as part of its history after he departed from the front office in 2019.
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Jeanie Buss remains governor amid sale
Mark Walter finalized his majority stake in the Lakers in October 2025, with Jeanie remaining the governor. In August 2026, Walter agreed to sell control to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger.
The proposed $12.5 billion transaction still requires NBA approval. Jeanie is also contesting her siblings’ proposed sale of the Buss family’s remaining 17.8% stake while continuing to serve as governor.
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Magic Johnson once expected only three years with the Lakers, yet his connection with Jeanie Buss eventually spanned decades. Which part of their shared Lakers history surprises you most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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