Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes Earvin “Magic” Johnson cannot afford to buy the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Mavs leader expressed his thoughts on the situation.

While Cuban has expressed admiration for Lakers controlling owner and governor Jeannie Buss, he told ESPN's Dave McMenamin on June 5 he is disappointed in Johnson after the latter told ESPN's “First Take” last month he's interested in buying the Lakers.

That's a little bit self-serving. I don't think Magic could afford them. And that's no disrespect to Magic. That's a reflection of just how well Jeannie has done.

“First Take” host Max Kellerman asked Johnson if he wanted to purchase the Lakers. Johnson raised his hand and replied in the affirmative. He even described the Lakers as “a gold mine.”

For his part, Cuban also told ESPN on Wednesday “the more screwed up” the Lakers are, “the happier I am.” However, he made it clear he feels that way “about every other franchise not in Dallas.”

Cuban said every franchise “goes through cycles,” per McMenamin. He emphasized the down cycle is “never fun.” Both the Lakers and Mavs have gone through dry spells in recent years – the former has missed the playoffs for three years in a row. For its part, Los Angeles hasn't tasted playoff basketball in six years.

Johnson stepped down as the Lakers' president of basketball operations on April 9. It's hard to imagine him becoming the Lakers' owner citing the circumstances of his abrupt resignation.

Who knows? Maybe Johnson will be in the running someday.

For now, Mark Cuban doesn't think so.