Magic Johnson’s 18th Title Hunt Kicks Off in Tokyo as $1.2 Billion Blockbuster Duo Open Dodgers Season

“I’m now up to 17 championship rings: 11 with the Lakers, 1 with the Sparks, 1 with LAFC, 2 with the Dodgers, and now 2 with Team Liquid!” Not just a champion on the court, Magic Johnson’s ownership role also possesses the same winning prowess. This was his post a month ago, and now who better to begin the 18th than his beloved Dodgers. Playing in front of over 42,000 people in attendance, the team started their campaign in Japan.

Magic Johnson and his Dodgers start the season just as they closed the last season! “As you can see, Cookie and I are all smiles after the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory over the Cubs!” The 5x NBA champion added a post to celebrate the 4-1 win from yesterday. While both the Dodgers and Cubs boast of some good Japanese players, Shohei Ohtani managed two hits while getting solid support from the starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was impressive in his own right too. Lets just say, their performances were just as impressive as their contracts.

As per Spotrac, Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325,000,000 contract and Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700,000,000 with the LA Dodgers. To soak in victory, Magic Johnson was not alone, as he shared on Instagram. “We had a great time hanging out with MLB legends like former Dodger Jimmy Rollins and our incredible Dodger Ownership Group, led by Chairman and Controlling Owner Mark Walters, along with Bobby Patton and Peter Guber!”

During the fifth inning of the Tokyo Series opener, Ohtani made the first big hit of this season, roping the 107.4 mph double down the right field. Ohtani’s single was the first hit of the game for the Dodgers, helping start a rally that would turn the game in their favor. Last season, the Dodgers won the second championship in five years.

Is Magic Johnson’s post-playing career success replicable?

Time and time again, the Lakers’ legend has credited the late Lakers owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, for mentorship lessons. In 1994, the Michigan State alum had started with 4.5% of the Purple and Gold team’s stake. He would eventually sell his stake and called the moment “bittersweet”. The 65-year-old continued venturing into team ownership with LA Sparks, the men’s soccer team, LAFC, the women’s soccer team Washington Spirits, and the NFL team Commanders.

2023 was Magic Johnson’s year. He did something tremendous entering the NFL governor’s circle as a co-owner of the Washington Commanders. The Lakers legend perfectly described his success. “I have the blueprint, um can everybody do it? No, no, they don’t.” Magic Johnson added, “They’re not going to be willing to put in the time that I put in… I’m up at 4:00 in the morning. I go to bed at 8 everybody.”

With this blueprint, he has been able to amass a wealth of over 1 billion – which puts him in an elite category. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and the late Junior Bridgeman, as the NBA stars to enter the billionaire club. Despite all the success, the competitive nature of the Lakers legend won’t stop as he continues to hunt for another ring to add to his collection.

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