Despite not being part of the Lakers’ ownership group since 2010, Magic Johnson has not shied away from talking about the team. The first-round loss to the Timberwolves was a painful talking point not just to the NBA icon but even to the Lakers’ nation. However, for his good friend and protégé who is part of the Wolves’ front office, it was definitely an incredible moment. But leaving the rivalry and the loss aside, the 5x NBA champion suited up for a good cause with Alex Rodriguez.

When the Purple and Gold franchise lost, obviously, Magic Johnson tweeted his frustration. The favorites for the round crashed out 1-4 in 5 games. “Congratulations to my good friend Minnesota Timberwolves owner Alex Rodriguez, superstar Anthony Edwards and the entire Minnesota Timberwolves team for beating my Lakers and advancing to the next round.” The billionaire entrepreneur was gracious to applaud A-Rod and the Wolves team for progressing to the next round.

The 65-year-old also pointed out the key pain points. “The reason the Lakers lost was because they played awful on defense, they were too small, and the Timberwolves dominated them in the paint.” Leaving behind all this, Magic Johnson made sure to help the next generation, the way he helped the MLB icon once.

For the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference, the Lakers legend was in attendance alongside Alex Rodriguez. “I had such a great time today on stage with Hall of Famer and Entrepreneur Alex Rodriguez and Bloomberg Correspondent Jason Kelly at the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference! Our conversation today was enlightening and inspiring. Alex and I were both able to share keys to our success like the importance of mentors and partnering with the right people.”

Speaking about right people, he would credit his multiple partners in different sports franchise ownership groups. “For me partners like Howard Schultz, Peter Guber, Mark Walter, Todd Boehly, Josh Harris, Michele Kang, Jim Reynolds, and Eric Holoman just to name a few, helped me throughout my career. Thank you to my great friend Michael Milken and the entire Milken Institue for having me today!” You won’t be surprised to know that in Rodriguez’s life, it was Magic Johnson who fulfilled the mentor role.

Despite belonging to a different sporting world, Magic Johnson shared key lessons with Alex Rodriguez

A-Rod was quickly gaining ranks as the top baseball player. But to manage better and stay on top, he needed some lessons. And who better than Magic Johnson, who dominated even after returning from basketball. A three-hour dinner with the Lakers legend. At just 20 or 21, the three-time AL MVP didn’t hesitate to ask all the right questions about building his business career. The 5x NBA champion only wanted one thing in return.

“So a lot of what I’m doing today, I’m probably spending 20 to 25% of my time mentoring a lot of athletes, and a lot of people of color like myself, and people that really want to advance their business career.” Rodriguez is passing down the blueprint from Magic Johnson to others. That’s why previously, the 49-year-old mentioned being “grateful” for his bond with the Lakers legend.

It’s more endearing to see the MLB icon continue to uphold this tradition even today. This time it was alongside his mentor, Magic Johnson, at the Milken Institute Global Conference. As both legends continue to inspire others to create something meaningful.