The Forgotten NBA Contract That Lasted 25 Years

Johnson signed one of the most unusual contracts in NBA history with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1981. The deal was worth approximately $25 million and was set to last for 25 years.

Johnson was only 22 years old when he signed the contract, but he had already established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. He had won an NBA championship and Finals MVP during his rookie season, giving the Lakers plenty of reason to believe he could remain a franchise cornerstone for years to come.

The length of the contract was the unimaginable part. Players today are limited to signing contracts lasting a maximum of four or five years. Johnson’s deal instead gave the Lakers a long-term commitment to their superstar while providing Johnson with financial security at a remarkably young age.

The contract also reflected just how highly the Lakers valued Johnson. He would go on to win multiple championships and MVP awards during his legendary career, making the decision to commit to him for 25 years look even more significant in hindsight.

Why Did Magic Johnson Get Such A Long Contract?

The Lakers had plenty of reasons to make such a massive commitment to Johnson. He was already one of the NBA’s most important young players when the contract was signed in 1981.

Johnson had helped the Lakers win the NBA championship as a rookie and was already viewed as the centerpiece of the franchise. At just 22 years old, the Lakers believed they had a superstar who could lead the team for many years.

The contract also gave Johnson financial security at a time when salaries were nowhere near what they are today. A 25-year deal was an enormous commitment, but it allowed the Lakers to lock up their franchise player while giving Johnson a huge payday.

In hindsight, the decision made even more sense. Johnson went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning five championships and three MVP awards with the Lakers.

The insane length of the contract made it memorable, but Johnson’s incredible career made the commitment look even more significant.

How Crazy Is A 25-Year NBA Contract?

Johnson’s 25-year contract is almost impossible to imagine in today’s league. The current collective bargaining agreement places much tighter limits on contract lengths, with standard veteran contracts generally limited to four years and certain agreements allowing up to five. 

That makes Johnson’s deal an extreme outlier. His $25 million contract, signed in 1981, was scheduled to run from 1984 through 2009. It was the longest NBA contract of its kind and was designed to keep Johnson with the Lakers for decades.

The NBA’s current rules make it impossible for another player to match the length. Even if a player signed the maximum five-year deal allowed under the current system, it would still be only one-fifth the length of Johnson’s famous contract.

That means Johnson’s 25-year deal is more than just an unusual piece of history. The record is untouchable and will never be broken in NBA history.