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06-11-2002, 09:10 PM
Hall of Famer Magic Johnson may relinquish his stake in the Los Angeles Lakers to help build another team, possibly the Seattle SuperSonics, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Tuesday.
Johnson, interviewed in New York, and Sonics principal owner Howard Schultz told the newspaper they had had some "what-if" conversations but no substantive discussions about the idea.
"I think that if I ever left the Lakers, it would have to be with somebody like Howard. I know he wants to win so bad. I think Howard is the best. You couldn't end up with a better owner because he is so competitive. That's why we are a natural fit," Johnson said.
"I'm on the top now (with the Lakers), and we are going to be on the top, but I would love to help Seattle come up and get to the top," he said. "That's what it's all about now, because I need challenges in my life -- and that would be a challenge."
Schultz, chairman of Starbucks Coffee Co., was enthusiastic about the possibility of Johnson buying a share in the Sonics.
"I would always welcome and be interested in the intrigue that he has in being part of the Sonics," he said.
To make the move, Johnson would have to sell his 5 percent share of the Lakers. As of January the Lakers were estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth about $403 million, tops in the NBA, and the Sonics $200 million, No. 18.
Johnson would not replace either Sonics chief executive Wally Walker or general manager Rick Sund but would get another title emphasizing his basketball knowledge and personality, The News Tribune reported.
Since being introduced by Ken Lombard, a Seattle native, president of Magic Johnson Enterprises and a former University of Washington basketball player, Schultz and Johnson have taken family vacations together. Johnson is part owner of 33 Starbucks outlets.
Before purchasing the Sonics last year, Schultz sought Johnson's advice.
"Clearly, he was one of my primary advisers about what life would be like in the NBA, people that I could trust," Schultz said. "We talked about the talent on our team. He has been a big help."
Johnson, interviewed in New York, and Sonics principal owner Howard Schultz told the newspaper they had had some "what-if" conversations but no substantive discussions about the idea.
"I think that if I ever left the Lakers, it would have to be with somebody like Howard. I know he wants to win so bad. I think Howard is the best. You couldn't end up with a better owner because he is so competitive. That's why we are a natural fit," Johnson said.
"I'm on the top now (with the Lakers), and we are going to be on the top, but I would love to help Seattle come up and get to the top," he said. "That's what it's all about now, because I need challenges in my life -- and that would be a challenge."
Schultz, chairman of Starbucks Coffee Co., was enthusiastic about the possibility of Johnson buying a share in the Sonics.
"I would always welcome and be interested in the intrigue that he has in being part of the Sonics," he said.
To make the move, Johnson would have to sell his 5 percent share of the Lakers. As of January the Lakers were estimated by Forbes magazine to be worth about $403 million, tops in the NBA, and the Sonics $200 million, No. 18.
Johnson would not replace either Sonics chief executive Wally Walker or general manager Rick Sund but would get another title emphasizing his basketball knowledge and personality, The News Tribune reported.
Since being introduced by Ken Lombard, a Seattle native, president of Magic Johnson Enterprises and a former University of Washington basketball player, Schultz and Johnson have taken family vacations together. Johnson is part owner of 33 Starbucks outlets.
Before purchasing the Sonics last year, Schultz sought Johnson's advice.
"Clearly, he was one of my primary advisers about what life would be like in the NBA, people that I could trust," Schultz said. "We talked about the talent on our team. He has been a big help."