In a summer filled with lavish travels and monumental business deals, NBA legend Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie Johnson, concluded their European vacation with a heartwarming family photo that captured the essence of their enduring bond. The couple, joined by their children and grandchildren, shared joyful moments on social media, offering fans a glimpse into their luxurious getaway across Monaco, Croatia, Portofino, and Cannes. This vacation, marked by fine dining, yacht retreats, and cherished family time, came on the heels of a historic $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers’ majority ownership, a deal that has solidified Magic’s legacy as both a basketball icon and a shrewd businessman.

Magic Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, has long been a figure of inspiration both on and off the court. His 13-year career with the Lakers, highlighted by five NBA championships during the “Showtime” era, cemented his status as a sports legend. Beyond basketball, Magic has built a formidable business empire, with investments in real estate, entertainment, and sports franchises, including a minority stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers. The recent sale of the Lakers’ majority ownership to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global and a fellow Dodgers owner, marked a record-breaking transaction in sports history, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the Boston Celtics earlier this year. Magic took to social media to congratulate Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and Walter, expressing confidence in Walter’s ability to uphold the team’s winning tradition, noting his success with the Dodgers, who have secured two World Series titles under his leadership.

The vacation that followed this landmark deal was a celebration of family and love, themes that have defined Magic and Cookie’s relationship for over four decades. The couple, who met at Michigan State University in 1978 and married in 1991, have navigated numerous challenges together, including Magic’s HIV diagnosis just months after their wedding. Cookie’s unwavering support during that time has been a cornerstone of their enduring partnership, with Magic often crediting her as the source of meaning in his life. Their European adventure this summer was a testament to their commitment to creating lasting memories with their family, which includes their son EJ, daughter Elisa, son Andre from Magic’s previous relationship, and grandchildren Gigi and Avery.

Throughout their trip, Magic and Cookie shared glimpses of their experiences on Instagram, from power walks in Cannes to dining at renowned establishments like Mamo Michelangelo in Monaco. The couple was joined by close friends, including Samuel L. Jackson and his wife, LaTanya, and Cedric the Entertainer and his wife, Lorna Wells, aboard the luxurious Phoenix 2 superyacht. Magic’s posts highlighted moments of joy, such as a stylish family photo captioned with heartfelt gratitude for Cookie and their children. The image, set against the backdrop of their Mediterranean journey, resonated with fans, who admired the couple’s ability to balance high-profile success with genuine family devotion.

The $10 billion Lakers sale, while a business triumph, also underscored Magic’s deep connection to the franchise. Having purchased a 4.5% stake in the Lakers in 1994 for a reported $10 million, Magic sold his share in 2010 but remained a vocal supporter of the team. His recent comments on the sale emphasized his trust in Walter, a business partner and friend, to carry forward the legacy established by the Buss family, who have led the Lakers to 11 of their 17 championships since 1979. Magic’s involvement in sports ownership extends beyond the Lakers, with stakes in the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles FC, reflecting his passion for building winning teams.

As the Johnsons returned from their European escape, Cookie announced her role as the 2025 Champion for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, continuing her advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness—a cause close to the couple’s hearts. Magic, a longtime HIV activist, has used his platform to combat stigma and promote health education, a mission that resonates with his community outreach efforts, such as his recent RSV awareness campaign in Los Angeles.

The heartwarming family photo that closed their vacation encapsulated the Johnsons’ journey: one of resilience, love, and shared success. As Magic and Cookie continue to inspire through their philanthropy, business ventures, and unwavering partnership, their story remains a powerful reminder that true wealth lies in family and purpose. Fans eagerly await their next chapter, expecting more moments of joy and impact from this iconic couple.