Devin Booker Guided by Los Angeles Lakers Legend in Business Ventures

Devin Booker has the Phoenix Suns handing him multi-figure checks, rappers writing lyrics about him, and an Olympic Gold medal hanging around his neck. Remind yourself that he is also just 25-years-old, and all those accomplishments become that much more impressive.

But he still wants more, and in doing so, has sought proper mentorship from an all-time NBA great, even though he hails from a rival team.

According to Brett Knight’s recent article for Forbes, the Suns shooting guard has been incredibly active off the court, educating himself on investment strategy by meeting with none other than 5-time NBA Champion Magic Johnson.

Booker, who wants to avoid being viewed as a “dumb jock” and going broke after his career, invested his own dollars in a variety of start up businesses over the past few years, including a coconut-water sports drink company and Global Ambassador, a food-oriented hotel meant to attract athletes visiting Phoenix.

But before doing so, he connected with businessman Jim Reynolds, the father of an old AAU teammate and the CEO of Loop Capital, an investment banking firm in Chicago. Reynolds then put Booker in touch with Johnson, who helped him “reshape his philosophy” in regard to investment strategy.

According to Johnson, Booker was a “sponge” during their meetings. After the Laker legend shared a story about how he wrongfully chose to sign on with Converse over an opportunity to buy shares in Nike, he reminded Booker that buying equity is the only way to attain “real wealth.”

Less than three years ago, Johnson and Booker stood opposed to each other, rivals by team distinction. While Johnson served as General Manager for the Lakers, helping the team to attract LeBron James, Book was out in Phoenix, enjoying his fourth season in the NBA.

But outside the realm of basketball, this collaboration between the Suns and Lakers based around Johnson’s eagerness to help Booker out remains interesting and something of a “feel good” story. With Johnson in Booker’s ear, Reynolds sees a bright future for him, even foreseeing him one day joining the billionaire’s club.