Magic Johnson gets the Dodgers

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Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images

Magic Johnson led the group that won the bid for the LA Dodgers, which will pay a record breaking $2.15 billion for the team. It’s the most spent on an American sports franchise since the NFL’s Miami Dophins were bought for $1.1 billion in 2009. In a statement, Johnson said, “I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles.” The deal still needs to be approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. And there’s the question of whether former owner (and divorcee) Frank McCourt still owns the parking lot.

The Washington Post says: He’s Magic Johnson. He’s Los Angeles. He’s class. He’s a winner. He’s Showtime. He’s the anti-Frank McCourt. The Dodgers can use all of those things right now.

LA Weekly reminds us: McCourt will become a billionaire, and has to pay his wife Jamie less than $150 million from these riches — the price she perhaps unwisely agreed to long ago during their divorce proceedings.

The Los Angeles Times says:  Magic is the perfect fit for the Dodgers.

And over on our KCRW Facebook page, Angelinos are saying this:

Monica Satcher: Well that seems to make good sense all around. Business wise. Good guy. LA pride. Best wishes to Magic and group.

Chris Constable: Are the parking lots included in the deal?? If McCourt owns them, it’s still a crap deal. Not happy seeing Magic bow to McCourt to ‘continue what he started’…no one should continue McCourt’s legacy. It should be publicly renounced.

Ramon Guzman: In an era of ego consumed owners like the Mark Cubans, Malouf brothers, Jerry Jones, Steinbrenner heirs, and of course the prior owners, I am extremely hopeful Mr. Johnson can bring back the pride of the Dodgers to who HE needs the most in this deal – LA Dodger fans!

Zeke Luna I’m no dodger fan, but it was pretty sad to see a franchise with that history dragged thru the mud. I’m glad the dodgers and their fans can move on AND GET BOMBED ON BY THE ANGELS!!!!