Magic shopping for franchise

By Broderick Turner
Los Angeles Times

Since Magic Johnson announced last week that he had sold his minority interest in the Lakers, his agent said the Hall of Famer has been contacted frequently in recent days about his interest in ownership opportunities in several sports franchises.

Johnson, who sold his 4.5% interest in the Lakers in a deal in which his son, Andre Johnson, 29, played a pivotal role in making it happen, has been contacted by several NBA teams, his agent Lon Rosen said Thursday.

Rosen said Johnson hasn't spoken with any NBA teams yet, but that it could happen soon.

Rosen also said Johnson's primary interest remains in "bringing the NFL [back] to Los Angeles."

Johnson said last week that he had spoken with the Golden State Warriors and would speak with the Detroit Pistons in the future. Both teams are in the final stages of being sold to new ownership groups.

Johnson, who works for ABC and ESPN, will have a one-on-one interview with Miami President Pat Riley that will air Friday before the Heat's home season-opener against the Orlando Magic Friday, Rosen said.

Johnson will conduct pre-game and post-game interviews for ESPN for the game involving Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.