Los Angeles knows how to welcome its stars, and this time it was Magic Johnson who stepped up to greet the city’s newest sensation, Roki Sasaki. The Lakers legend and Dodgers co-owner didn’t just say hello, he made it personal. Johnson handed Sasaki a signed Lakers jersey, complete with heartfelt messages, making it clear the young pitcher is more than just a player; he’s family now.

The 23-year-old pitcher has been making waves in NPB with jaw-dropping stats that feel more like video game numbers. Over four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines, he racked up a 2.10 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, and an unbelievable 505 strikeouts in under 400 innings. It’s no wonder the Dodgers were thrilled to bring him on board.

A magical welcome for L.A.’s newest star

What better way to welcome him than with a little Magic? Literally. Johnson shared photos of their meeting on social media, showing off the signed No. 32 Lakers jersey he gifted Sasaki. The jersey wasn’t just any old gift—it had Johnson’s autograph and messages like “To Roki” and “5x NBA Champ” written on it. Johnson didn’t hold back his excitement, posting:

Sasaki’s move to the Dodgers is a big deal for a lot of reasons. The Dodgers gave him a $6.5 million signing bonus, the largest during an international signing period since 2017. That’s a huge vote of confidence, and it’s not hard to see why. Adding Sasaki to their already strong pitching rotation is like icing on an already delicious cake.

But beyond the numbers and contracts, this is about something bigger. Los Angeles is known for being a melting pot of talent, and Sasaki is the latest example of that in MLB. He’s stepping into a city that loves its sports stars, whether they’re on the basketball court or the baseball diamond. And having someone like Magic Johnson in his corner? That’s priceless.

Roki Sasaki’s new chapter in LA where legends unite

Magic’s gesture also highlights a cool connection between L.A.’s sports franchises. It’s not every day you see a Lakers icon welcoming a baseball star, but that’s just how things work in this city. It’s a place where legends from different arenas come together to celebrate greatness.

For Sasaki, this move isn’t just about baseball—it’s about adapting to a new culture, a new league, and a whole new level of expectations. But if there’s one thing the Dodgers have proven, it’s that they know how to nurture international talent. From Fernando Valenzuela to Hideo Nomo, they’ve embraced players who bring something unique to the game.

So, as Sasaki gears up for his MLB debut, one thing’s for sure: he’s got the city’s full support. And with Magic Johnson leading the cheers, you can bet L.A. is ready to see what this young phenom can do. Here’s to a bright future for Roki Sasaki in the City of Angels!