“I love sports. I love to be in the ownership because it’s important that they see minorities in an ownership position.” Magic Johnson shared on CBS Mornings, making it clear that his role isn’t just about financial gain. “I love helping the athletes transition from their sport to hopefully business or whatever they want to do after their time being an athlete.” For Magic, ownership is a platform, not just to lead, but to open doors for others following in his footsteps.

Magic’s transition from basketball icon to business mogul was swift, largely thanks to the guidance of his longtime mentor, Dr. Jerry Buss. Taking Buss’s wisdom to heart, the Michigan State alum turned his success on the hardwood into an empire off of it—one that spans sports, real estate, and entertainment. Now, with his footprint firmly planted across multiple leagues, it’s time to take a closer look at just how many championship rings Johnson owns, and why that number may soon grow even if he has hung up his boots.

How Many Rings Does Magic Johnson Have in the NBA?

“What an amazing addition to my collection! I’m now up to 17 championship rings: 11 with the Lakers, 1 with the Sparks, 1 with LAFC, 2 with the Dodgers, and now 2 with Team Liquid!” Back in February, to celebrate his winning resume, Magic Johnson shared his total number of titles he currently holds. It includes everything he achieved as a player, including being part of the ownership group of different sports franchises.

As a player, Magic won 5 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. The time when he played alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as the team earned the title of the Showtime Era. They won five championship titles between 1980 and 1988 (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). At first, it may surprise but in actuality, it isn’t. In fact, the first Finals MVP stat may shock you. Magic Johnson won the NBA Finals MVP award as a rookie, which is yet to be broken.

In Game 5 of the Finals, Kareem injured his ankle and was doubtful for the next game. The series was a close encounter, 3-2, favoring the Lakers. But the players were dejected seeing their captain injured, so Magic stepped up. He even dropped the iconic line in the locker room. “I said, ‘Never fear, Magic is here’.” 

In 1982, it was a new era under Pat Riley, and Johnson, in the previous season, missed time due to injury. With a rematch of the 1980 finals, it once again needed Game 6, and the Lakers once again won. Magic was not the top of the scoring charts with 16.2 per contest. But his rebounding skills helped them script the win 10.8 points per game. Not bad for a 6-foot-9 guard.

In the 1987 finals, KAJ was 40 during the playoffs. So, Magic Johnson took control offensively. Thus ended up being the best scorer from any team. With 26.2 points per game, he also beat his arch nemesis, not only for the title but for scoring bragging rights as well. Larry Bird had 24.2 points per game to show for his efforts over 6 games.

Magic Johnson’s NBA Rings – Year-by-Year Breakdown

Magic Johnson’s Championship Wins After Retirement

Even in the post-retirement run, he started where he left off. It all started with the Purple and Gold, where he won 5 as an executive. In 1994, he had about 4.5% of the team’s share, and called the moment “bittersweet” when he sold them in 2010. Yes, he was part of the group when the Kobe-Shaq era brought gold and even when Kobe-Gasol delivered two championships. Even though he sold his stakes in the Lakers, the love for Los Angeles continued.

He is still part of the multiple teams’ ownership group. Consisting of the LA Sparks, who won the WNBA championship in 2016. Not to forget his “beloved” Dodgers, who won the 2024 World Series, and also in 2020. His men’s soccer team, LAFC, won the MLS Cup in 2022. So, all his investments in LA have turned to gold. After narrowly missing out on the Spirits’ side in women’s soccer, Magic Johnson is also a proud owner of the Dodgers. As stated earlier, he is even involved with the esports community, with Team Liquid.

Magic Johnson vs. Michael Jordan – Who Has More Rings?

Two NBA greats who led their teams to dynasties. After the Showtime Era ended, Michael Jordan and his Bulls dominated in the 90s. His Airness ended his career with 6 championships in 6 NBA finals appearances. So, during the playing days, it was MJ who ended up being the leader. But when it comes to ownership, Magic Johnson hands down wins again.

Jordan’s front office stint with the Wizards and the Hornets did not produce any results like Magic. But after selling his NBA stake, the Bulls legend now owns 23XI, a team in NASCAR. So, it will take some time for him to match the total rings of the Lakers legend.