
Magic Johnson Responds to Lakers' Record $10 Billion Sale
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NBA Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson took to X to react to the Lakers' record-setting $10 billion sale.
Here's what the five-time champion had to say on the sale.
"Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark - he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike - they are competitive people, l have big hearts, love to give back, and both prefer to be behind the scenes. This makes all the sense in the world. I am so so SO happy and excited for @Lakers fans all over the world!!"
Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark - he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike -… — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 18, 2025
Magic Johnson speaks to the fans during the jersey retirement of Michael Cooper during halftime of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025...
Magic Johnson speaks to the fans during the jersey retirement of Michael Cooper during halftime of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. More
Photo byPrior to that post, Johnson initially sent his best wishes to Jeanie Buss and praised new Lakers owner Mark Walters.
"Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the@Lakers
legacy and tradition of winning - Mark Walter, my business partner and friend! Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand. The proof is in the pudding on what he's been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers. Mark has been nothing short of a winner notching 2 World Series and 11 NL West divisional titles in the last 12 years!"
Job well done to my sister Jeanie Buss for striking an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the @Lakers legacy and tradition of winning - Mark Walter, my business partner and friend! Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker… — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 18, 2025
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