Fans on Dodgers Deal: It May Be Magic

Group that includes the Lakers retired superstar has names, talent and lots of cash

Los Angeles sports fans were mostly jubilant Tuesday night to hear that a group including Earvin "Magic" Johnson would buy the Dodgers.

And why not? Johnson is a beloved local sports hero, the Dodgers are exiting a troubled stage of their existence, and one of baseball's most successful execs, Stan Kasten, comes along with the deal.

Complete Coverage: Dodgers' ChangeUp

The Lakers legend is already immortalized in bronze outside Staples Center. His business savvy and community service have also become well known.

Tuesday night, sports fans at LA Live were united in the belief that the investment group that includes Magic Johnson can mean only good things for the embattled LA Dodgers.

"I think it was a good decision," said sports fan Shane Taylor. "I think with Magic Johnson being a big influence on Southern California as far as Starbucks, Fatburger, Magic Johnson Theatres, he's changed a lot of lives and given a lot of opportunities."

"He's got a great heart," said Alan Morrison. "I think he'll be a great leader for the Dodgers. It makes me want to go right down and get some season tickets."
 
The Lakers were on televisions in nearby sports bars Tuesday night. It seemed strange that a former Laker was suddenly the chosen one to breathe new hope into the storied local baseball franchise.

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"You're gonna have some good years and bad years," said Lawrence Burrell. "I think the new team is going to be able to give them a chance to grow, have some opportunities to win some championships."

"As long as you have somebody who knows sports, you can't go wrong," said Chip Hayashi. "I think Magic has been in the sports industry enough to kind of figure out what's good and what's wrong."

"The Angels made a big signing in the off-season with signing Albert Pujols," said Taylor. "It doesn't matter. This is a Laker and a Dodger town 'til we die."

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