The Los Angeles Lakers have always been among the most valuable teams in the world. Overall, the LA side is jointly the most successful franchise in the NBA, along with their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics. Both the Lakers and the Celtics have won 17 rings each. But in terms of popularity, the Lakers have a way more giant fan circle.
The last championship the Lakers won came in 2020 in the bubble. But even today, the Purple and Gold team is among the most popular and valuable franchises in the NBA and even in the world. Like the New York Yankees in the MLB, the Los Angeles Lakers are among the most iconic teams in the world. Needless to say, the Lakers have a huge fanbase among the Hollywood Celebrities. Along with many celebrities, legendary actor Jack Nicholson has been a lifelong fan of the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers Are The 15th Most Valued Sports Team In The World
Anyway, after a recent survey, Forbes revealed the Golden State Warriors are the most popular and valuable team in the NBA at present. Moreover, the New York Knicks are a close follow in second place. However, the team in third place is none other than the LA Lakers. They are still among the top 3 valuable NBA teams. However, in terms of all sports, the Lakers drop down to 15th spot. There are so many NFL teams who enjoy ranks ahead of the LA side. Forbes valued the Lakers at $5.9 billion.
On the other hand, Forbes valued the Warriors at $7 billion and the Knicks at $6.1 billion. The Lakers and the Knicks used to enjoy the top 2 valued spots previously. But there is a reason why the Warriors overtook them in recent times. In the last nine seasons, the GSW won four titles. Clearly, they are enjoying a modern-day dynasty. But in the last five years, the Lakers’ value increased 79%. However, the Warriors’ value increased by 126%. On the list of top twenty most valued franchises, Forbes named the 49ers, Manchester United, and the Washington Commanders ahead of the LA Lakers.
Magic Johnson Joins The Elite List Of Billionaire Athletes
The Lakers legend Erving “Magic” Johnson has joined the elite list of billionaire athletes that includes names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods. As per Forbes, Magic currently has a net worth of $1.2 billion. He’s the only fourth sportsperson of the past or present to become a billionaire. LeBron James is the only active NBA player to become a billionaire. Since Jerry Buss took over the franchise’s ownership, he helped start the iconic “Showtime Era.”
The duo of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was instrumental in winning five championships for the franchise. But the glorious era of the Jerry Buss team started winning in 1979. Later, they dominated the whole 1980s era. However, the Chicago Bulls dominated the 1990s, winning six titles. But the LA side looked for another era of domination. It happened with the unstoppable duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in the 2000s. After Shaq left, winning three titles with the Lakers, Kobe Bryant went on to win a couple more. Hence, Bryant won a total of five rings with the LA side in the 2000s. But the Buss family sure knows how to dominate the league and attract the fans. With Magic’s era and Bryant’s era, the Lakers have won a total of ten rings. On top of that, they won seven more titles.
