Magic’s Sale No Done Deal

Magic Johnson, eager to divest himself but unable to close an agreement with Jerry Buss, has opened talks with outside parties in an attempt to sell his 5% ownership in the Lakers, a move that apparently comes with Buss’ necessary approval but nonetheless is an interesting development.

The list of prospective buyers is not known, but there are believed to be a few interested people as Johnson tries to sell his portion before he can begin to represent NBA players in the management firm he is planning to start. That brings a mild sense of urgency to the proceedings.

“So now he’s given me permission to talk to somebody else,” Johnson said, “and that’s what I’m looking to do.”

This is strange because Buss has controlled who buys into the Lakers since he became owner in 1979 and also because negotiations between the two, who like to consider themselves as much surrogate father-son as business partners, have historically gone smoothly. That in itself makes this holdup unusual.

“I don’t think it’s put a strain on our relationship,” said Johnson, who would also give up his title as vice president of the Lakers with the transaction. “I’m just glad I’ve got other options to sell it. I just want to sell it and get into the other business. But this doesn’t change anything between us.”

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Shaquille O’Neal avoided another confrontation with Trail Blazer Coach Mike Dunleavy when the teams met Wednesday night, unlike the Feb. 10 game in Portland when Dunleavy took exception to the way one of his players was treated by the Lakers and O’Neal took exception to Dunleavy.

“Even if I did touch him,” O’Neal reasoned, “I could just go get Johnnie Cochran and get my money back.”