Introduction to the Story
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a playful message for Lakers fans about Shohei Ohtani, now that the baseball and NBA teams will have the same majority owner.
“Hands off of Shohei,” he said, smiling. “They got enough superstars wearing the purple and gold. Leave him alone.”
The Background
Social media on Wednesday was rife with photos of the Japanese two-way superstar’s face and body in a Lakers jersey after news broke that Dodgers controlling owner Mark Walter is buying a majority interest in the Lakers from the Buss family for $10 billion.
Fan Reactions
One person suggested Ohtani could be a two-way player for the Lakers, while someone wondered if the Lakers would start Ohtani at the 2 or 3 position. Others thanked Ohtani for deferring most of his $700 million, 10-year contract and, as one person posted, “putting all that money in Mark Walters’ pockets so he can buy and save the Lakers franchise.”
CNBC’s Alex Sherman explains why Lakers fans can “rest easy” after Mark Walter acquired majority ownership of the franchise in a record-setting $10 billion deal.
Current Lakers Roster
The Lakers already have a Japanese player in forward Rui Hachimura.
“I think Hachimura is taking care of the Japanese side of things,” Roberts said. “We’ll have Shohei on the baseball side.”
Personal Connections
Last December, Ohtani and his wife attended a Lakers game and were presented personalized jerseys. His wife, Mamiko Tanaka played four seasons for the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League.
Future Possibilities
Roberts appeared to warm to the suggestion that he might be sitting in the celebrity-packed courtside seats at Lakers games this winter.
"I’m sure a lot of people have hit Mark up," he said, "but I might add myself to the list."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dave Roberts has made it clear that Shohei Ohtani is off-limits to the Lakers. With the Dodgers and Lakers now under the same majority ownership, it will be interesting to see how the two teams interact and potentially collaborate in the future.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new majority owner of the Lakers?
A: Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Dodgers, is buying a majority interest in the Lakers from the Buss family for $10 billion.
Q: What did Dave Roberts say to Lakers fans about Shohei Ohtani?
A: Roberts told Lakers fans to "hands off" Ohtani, saying they have enough superstars and should leave him alone.
Q: Does the Lakers have any Japanese players on their roster?
A: Yes, the Lakers have forward Rui Hachimura, who is Japanese.
