Shop Overview
The Magic Johnson Store (often referenced as the Magic Johnson Sports Store) is LAX’s go-to stop for LA sports culture—especially basketball-inspired gear with strong Los Angeles branding. It’s designed for travelers who want something unmistakably local without the guesswork: grab-and-go apparel, fan accessories, and giftable items that travel well.
Expect a straightforward airport retail experience: easy browsing, quick checkout, and plenty of items that work as last-minute gifts. The selection typically leans into Lakers-adjacent colors and iconography, plus broader LA souvenirs that fit in a carry-on. It’s not a luxury boutique—think practical, wearable, and instantly recognizable.
What to Buy
- Best-sellers: LA- and basketball-themed T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and logo-forward fan staples that are easy to size and easy to pack.
- Giftable picks: Caps, socks, mini basketballs, keychains, magnets, and other small souvenirs—ideal for coworkers or kids when you don’t want to check a bag.
- Local specialty angle: If you want an “only-in-LA” vibe, choose items that say Los Angeles (not just generic sports). These tend to feel more like destination merchandise and less like standard team gear.
- Price reality check: This is a standard retail shop (not duty-free), so pricing is typically airport retail. If you’re comparing, duty-free savings generally apply to categories like fragrance, cosmetics, and spirits at LAX—not sports apparel—so buy here for convenience and local relevance, not tax-free deals.
Location & Hours
The Magic Johnson Store is located at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Terminal 5 on the Departures level. It is typically post-security, so you’ll want to shop after you clear TSA. Once airside, follow overhead signage for retail and concessions; the store is positioned for quick access from the main passenger flow.
Hours: Store-specific hours aren’t reliably published in the available sources. As a rule at LAX, retail hours generally track flight banks—plan on the best availability from late morning through early evening. If you’re flying very early or late, have a backup option (like a nearby news/sundries shop) in case it’s closed.
When to shop: The busiest times are typically 6–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m. (heavy departure waves). For the calmest browsing and best size availability, aim for midday between flight rushes.
Shopping Tips
- Duty-free reminder: This shop is not duty-free. If you’re hunting duty-free savings, focus on Terminal B duty-free stores for international categories like fragrance and liquor.
- Reserve & collect: No reserve-and-collect program is confirmed for this store. If you need something specific (size/color), shop earlier rather than right before boarding.
- Returns/exchanges: Airport stores often have tighter return windows and may require receipts and unworn items with tags. Ask at checkout what the policy is—especially if buying apparel as a gift.
- Payment: Expect major credit/debit cards and mobile wallet payments. Cash in USD is typically accepted, but card is fastest during peak boarding periods.
Category
shopping