Magic Johnson Says Dodgers Didn't Ruin MLB, Cites Lakers, Celtics, Jordan's Bulls

Magic Johnson has responded to criticisms that the Los Angeles Dodgers, as back-to-back World Series champions, are harming baseball by dismissing such claims outright. He compared the team's impact to that of legendary NBA dynasties like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls, arguing that dominant teams attract new fans to the sport through their high level of play and excitement.

The Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series title by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling seven-game series, which concluded with a dramatic 5-4 victory in 11 innings during Game 7. This win marked Johnson's third championship as a part-owner of the Dodgers and his 18th overall as a player or owner, highlighting his extensive success in sports.

Despite the victory, critics have pointed to the Dodgers' massive payroll, which was the highest in MLB at $350 million this season, as a negative influence on the sport. This has fueled discussions about MLB potentially implementing a salary cap, a move that players strongly oppose, with some suggesting the league is not capitalizing on baseball's growing popularity.

Johnson defended the Dodgers' spending, emphasizing that the team is bringing in new fans and enhancing the sport's global appeal. He shared that his phone was inundated with messages from people who had not watched baseball in a long time but were drawn to the World Series, reinforcing his belief that the Dodgers' success is beneficial for baseball and that the team will continue to pursue championships with aggressive investments.