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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Heyman: Magic Johnson, with secret weapon, may be Dodger favorite

The Magic Our?

At least eight groups advanced to the second round of the big Frank McCourt Dodgers sweepstakes. Several of them look like powerhouses. But one of them looks like a winner of the Dodgers from here.

That would be the Magic Johnson-Stan Kasten group.

For one, that group has Magic Johnson. For another, that group very likely will have Patrick Soon-Shiong.

Soon-Shiong isn’t Magic in terms of jump shots, fame or even local cache. But in terms of moolah, Soon-Shiong blows everyone in L.A. away.

Soon-Shiong is reported to have $7.2 billion, and sources suggest to me he will very likely join the Magic-Kasten group. I mentioned this on twitter recently, and the Los Angeles Times, which has been all over this story, wrote soon after that Soon-Shoing is mulling over which group to join. That’s very likely the way Soon-Shiong or someone close to him wants it played. But he is a close friend of Magic’s, bought Magic’s 4.5 percent stake in the Lakers (and is believed pleased with that purchase) and is a basketball junkie. It’s possible he’s holding out like Bill Clinton’s buddy Ron Burkle, who appears to be waiting to see who’s leading before committing. But if the Magic-Kasten group is in it to the end, and they should be, expect Soon-Shiong to join them.

Repoz Posted: January 31, 2012 at 10:08 PM | 16 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: business, dodgers, international, media

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1. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 31, 2012 at 10:18 PM (#4050836)

Seems like Magic would be a great face for ownership, even if he's not really the one calling the shots. I can see this being a very strong candidate to own the team. Magic has the public persona, Kasten has the ties to MLB, and Soo-Shiong has the deep pockets to make the Dodgers a successful franchise.

2. YR Denies Jesus Montero Posted: January 31, 2012 at 10:21 PM (#4050839)

Magic makes his teammates look better. Some things never change.

3. outl13r Posted: February 01, 2012 at 12:58 AM (#4050919)

I was certain this was going to be about Scott Boras.

4. Ron J Posted: February 01, 2012 at 03:39 AM (#4050950)

#3 And I was certain that this was going to be about V2.

5. Joe Kehoskie Posted: February 01, 2012 at 04:03 AM (#4050953)

All these stories about "favorites" seem like a waste of time. At best, the writers are speculating; at worst, they're carrying water for friends or sources.

The Magic/Kasten group seems like it's in good shape to make a serious run, but Steve Cohen has just as much money as Patrick Soon-Shiong (the possible Magic/Kasten backer), and Stan Kroenke and his wife are apparently worth almost $7 billion. Meanwhile, Tom Barrack, Alan Casden, and Rick Caruso are each worth more than any of the current members of the Magic/Kasten group.

On its face, describing a group that apparently needs additional outside funding as a "favorite" seems absurd, especially with MLB not controlling the process and with Frank McCourt expected (if not required) to take the highest offer.

6. RMc is the loyal supporter of the MLB event Posted: February 01, 2012 at 09:45 AM (#4050993)

Fun fact: Magic Johnson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the motion picture category.

7. DiPoto Cabengo Posted: February 01, 2012 at 01:51 PM (#4051248)

Larry David looks forward to coaching Magic's daughter.

8. Willie Mayspedes Posted: February 01, 2012 at 02:08 PM (#4051271)

Is the secret weapon AIDS?

9. Melo's Love Handles (NJ) Posted: February 01, 2012 at 02:17 PM (#4051287)

[8] made me laugh. It's also the first thing that came to mind when I saw this headline. I am a terrible person.

10. Justin 'The Cespedobear' T Posted: February 01, 2012 at 02:27 PM (#4051301)

I thought the same thing and almost posted it, but figured V2 was his AIDS pills and so it had been done, to a degree.

11. phredbird

Posted: February 01, 2012 at 03:25 PM (#4051387)

Fun fact: Magic Johnson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the motion picture category.

most folks don't know that the celebs buy the stars themselves -- or anyway, whoever is 'nominating' them. they have to pay about $30,000 for installation and upkeep so that its not a burden on the taxpayers. they are vetted by, i believe, the hollywood chamber of commerce or something for worthiness -- in other words, are they big enough celebrities. and the recipient is required to attend the installation of the star.

i've also heard that they are moved now and then for one reason or another, but not sure if that's true.

johnson was a 'special selection', mostly for his ownership of the movie theater chain. the committee that approves the selections will bend the rules when they feel like it.

12. Willie Mayspedes Posted: February 01, 2012 at 03:47 PM (#4051414)

AIDS cure with Magic

13. JJ1986 Posted: February 01, 2012 at 04:13 PM (#4051448)

How does the money guy get added as the last step? I could see adding the MLB guy or the PR guy, but don't they have to have the money ready to go by now?

14. Joe Kehoskie Posted: February 01, 2012 at 04:40 PM (#4051477)

Fun fact: Magic Johnson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in the motion picture category.

Fun fact #2: So does Jim Gray.

Hollywood Walk of Merit, anyone?

***

How does the money guy get added as the last step? I could see adding the MLB guy or the PR guy, but don't they have to have the money ready to go by now?

Per the reporting, the "bids" due last Monday were non-binding. The bidders apparently had to be plausible to advance to the next round, but they didn't have to have the money in place already.

15. Fielder's the first baseman, Felder is the fielder Posted: February 01, 2012 at 04:52 PM (#4051496)

All these stories about "favorites" seem like a waste of time. At best, the writers are speculating; at worst, they're carrying water for friends or sources.

It's just like all the speculation about Fielder's destination. In this case, nobody has mentioned the "mystery group" led by Wo Fat.

16. phredbird

Posted: February 01, 2012 at 05:21 PM (#4051527)

Wo Fat

book him, dano.

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Heyman: Magic Johnson, with secret weapon, may be Dodger favorite

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