Magic Johnson wanted to stay in the Lakers for three years, but Dr. Jerry Buss knew it better

Magic Johnson became one of the best players of all time, and he continues to be praised to this day. The Lakers of Magic Johnson and Kareem made history together winning five NBA titles and saving the league.

The name Showtime Lakers came because of how great was to see them play, and the rivalry between Magic Johnson with the Celtics star Larry Bird is probably the greatest rivalry for he NBA.

But things could've gone in a completely different direction, as Magic Johnson just wanted to stay in LA for 3 years, but the then-owner of the Franchise, Dr. Jerry Buss knew that Magic belonged to the Lakers. His daughter, Jeanie Buss told how things happened.

"I was over at my dad's house and the doorbell rang and my dad said 'That's gonna be Bill Sharman bringing Magic over. So I opened the door, and all I could see was the smile, like a dazzling smile….And Magic said 'You know, I'm excited that I was drafted by the Lakers, but I'm only gonna stay for three years because I want to play for the Pistons. That's where I'm from. I want to go back home and play," Jeanie said.

Magic wanted to be close to home

Magic was from Lansing, Michigan. He played high school ball at Everett High School and became a star at Michigan State. As he had never been away from home, he wanted to stay as close as possible to home. But Dr. Jerry Buss proved to be right and Magic stayed all his career with the purple and gold.