Magic Johnson flies to Chino after a Stillman College commencement stop

Magic Johnson flew from Iron Mountain Pumping Plant Airport in Michigan to Chino Airport in California on May 25, a 44-minute hop that followed a longer trip from the South. The flight lands the same week his beloved Los Angeles Lakers open a playoff series against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder, a matchup Johnson called an “uphill battle” on social media, per Yahoo Sports. The Lakers are without Luka Doncic, and Johnson has publicly urged the team to limit turnovers and find secondary scoring to support LeBron James.

Johnson was in Alabama on May 23 to deliver the keynote address at Stillman College’s 2026 Spring Commencement, where he received an honorary doctor of business administration degree, as reported by LA Sports Report. The 150th-anniversary ceremony for the historically Black college drew roughly 114 graduates, and Johnson encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones — the same principle he applied when transitioning from NBA star to businessman.

This trip fits a pattern: Johnson’s Gulfstream II frequently shuttles between his Van Nuys home base and destinations tied to his business and sports portfolio. He is a minority owner of the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, and LA Sparks, and his Magic Johnson Enterprises continues to invest in underserved communities. The quick return to Southern California suggests a busy week ahead, courtside or otherwise.