Jerry Buss wishes Magic Johnson ‘best of luck’ with Dodgers

After he purchased the Lakers in 1979, one of the biggest and most successful moves Jerry Buss made involved suggesting the team draft Magic Johnson as the No. 1 overall draft pick. Johnson then brought “Showtime” to the Lakers and guided them to five NBA championships.

Now, Johnson is building off his storied NBA career and various business projects in purchasing the Dodgers for $2.15 billion with a group involving Guggenheim Partners.

“Magic Johnson is probably the most beloved sports figure in Los Angeles history,” Buss said in a statement. “In addition to being a phenomenal success on the court in leading the Lakers to five NBA championships, he has been a success in everything else he’s become involved with, most notably his spectacular business career and also his educational campaign on behalf of HIV awareness. I’d like to congratulate Magic and his partners on their acquisition of the Dodgers and wish them the best of luck.”

Lakers Coach Mike Brown offered similar sentiments, saying that “it seems like what he touches turns to gold.” But he acknowledged his conflicted feelings. Brown sported a red sweater vest after Wednesday’s practice that matched his fan interest in the Angels after moving last summer to Anaheim Hills.

“If I want to make sure my tires don’t get flat,” Brown said, “I gotta say, ‘Go Albert Pujols.’ ”

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