The perception around the New York Knicks has changed drastically in the last year. For a long time, they were the laughingstock of the NBA, incapable of getting out of their own way while trying to return to prominence.
There were a few flashes of relevancy in the last few decades, but for the most part, this was a losing franchise that had lost all of its luster. But, under the leadership of Leon Rose in the front office, the Knicks are a team that people are taking notice of again.
A better product on the court is a big factor in that as New York is coming off of a very successful season. They went 47-35, earning the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Miami Heat in the semifinals.
The media has taken notice of the turnaround, as they believe even better things are in store for the Knicks. They are in such a good position that Los Angeles Lakers lifer Magic Johnson would even consider becoming a part of the franchise.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: New York Knicks, James Dolan & Magic Johnson Updates
Johnson, who recently became part of the ownership group for the Washington Commanders in the NFL, was at a speaking engagement at a YMCA in New York. He was asked about the possibility of owning an NBA franchise, something his love for the Lakers has kept him from doing. But, he did admit if there were a team he would do it for, it is the Knicks.
“I think it would be intriguing,” Johnson said Tuesday. “The only team I would actually probably think about is the New York Knicks.”
Johnson, who is also part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB, said he has been approached about ownership opportunities in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are franchises he said he turned down offers from.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: New York Knicks, James Dolan & Magic Johnson Updates
He didn’t want to be in competition with the Lakers, a franchise close to his heart. Alas, there is something about the Knicks that feels different and would have him strongly reconsider his stance.
“I think because of the way fans love basketball you might have to think about that one, because I love coming to New York and going to the Garden and watching the Knicks play,” Johnson said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I love being with fans who are so passionate about their team and the Knick fans are, and they’re smart. They’re smart basketball fans and so that one I would have to think about. I think that other than that, I would probably never think about ever being a part of another franchise.”
Johnson hasn’t approached James Dolan, the Madison Square Garden Executive Director about it and isn’t looking for the chance to join the ownership group. He is very happy with being a Lakers fan after being part of their front office for two seasons before resigning in 2019.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: New York Knicks, James Dolan & Magic Johnson Updates
Alas, should the opportunity present itself and a conversation be had with Dolan, Johnson would certainly listen.”That one you would really have to think about, in terms of being a minority owner of that team,” he said. “But other than that, I would just stay with the Lakers and even with my role now, just being a fan, I’m happy just doing that with the Lakers because, again, I bleed purple and gold.”
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