Who Did Magic Johnson Credit for Landing LA’s Biggest Free Agent Since 4X Champion? Revealing Those Involved in Shohei Ohtani’s Eye-Watering Deal

Shohei Ohtani’s astronomical 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has left sports enthusiasts baffled. This deal stands as a financial titan for both the star and the franchise. Minority owner of the franchise Magic Johnson, in his recent post, unveiled the masterminds who orchestrated this monumental deal.

The 5x champion highlighted the significant contributors, emphasizing their pivotal roles in acquiring a star of Ohtani’s caliber. This is the richest deal in LA since the NBA’s leading scorer and the 4x NBA champion arrived there. Johnson shared his opinion through an X post.

Magic Johnson reveals the people behind Los Angeles Dodgers’ latest home run

The Dodgers had previously made attempts to acquire the versatile player, first out of high school, only to witness him embark on his career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. Their second effort came during Ohtani’s first free-agent tour as an MLB player. However, that was in vain as well. He ultimately chose to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.

However, the Dodgers’ tenacity paid off with a triumphant third attempt, securing Shohei Ohtani in a landmark deal that reshapes the dynamics of their roster and adds a formidable force to their lineup. Magic Johnson, who has owned a minority stake in the MLB franchise since 2012 chimed in on the historic move. 

Congratulating the entire team behind the success of the deal, Johnson commented , “A big big congratulations and job well done to my partner and Dodgers majority owner Mark Walter, Stan Kasten, Andrew Friedman, and the rest of the Dodgers organization for signing Shohei Ohtani! @Dodgers.”

Mark Walter serves as the franchise’s chairman, while Andrew Friedman holds the position of president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Stan Kasten is a part owner of the franchise. Notably, Kasten and Walter are part of the Guggenheim Baseball Management which took over the franchise 11 years ago.

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Interestingly, Magic was also part of the second most expensive deal in LA history. The city’s previous substantial signing dates back to 2018 when they secured 4x champion and 4x NBA Finals MVP, LeBron James.

LA Lakers secured LeBron James for $154 million  deal

In 2018, the Los Angeles Lakers sign a four-year deal with LeBron James for a $154 million deal. The three-time NBA champion’s deal brought stability to the Lakers and a championship in 2020.

Notably, Magic Johnson was serving as President of the Lakers when they signed the King. However, after failing to make the playoffs in LeBron’s first season, Johnson abruptly resigned from the franchise in 2019.

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