Lakers Icon Magic Johnson Sees Kobe Bryant-Like Impact in Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani
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LOS ANGELES — Speaking on Fox’s pregame show before Game 4 of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 28, Lakers legend and Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson drew a direct line between two of the city’s biggest sports stars, comparing two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani to the late Kobe Bryant.
“It’s the same, other than they didn’t own a country. See, because he owns Japan,” Johnson said. “The same impact, the fans love him. I think it’s more like Kobe-—the type of impact he’s made on the field and off the field. He’s a humble young man and he’s serious about becoming the best baseball player we’ve ever seen.”
Johnson attended Tuesday night’s contest, which the Toronto Blue Jays won to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2. The defeat came one night after Ohtani reached base safely nine straight times, a new World Series record, during an 18-inning epic that ended with a Freddie Freeman walk-off home run and a 2-1 series lead for Los Angeles.
Ohtani’s Reach Extends Beyond the Diamond
Since signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in the winter of 2023-24, Ohtani has boosted ticket sales, merchandise revenue and global visibility, helping the club recoup much of its historic investment. Johnson noted that worldwide attention—particularly from Japan—mirrors the international following Bryant commanded during his 20-year Lakers career.
Magic Still All-In On Dodgers’ Repeat Bid
After the Lakers opened their 2025-26 campaign, Johnson remained glued to the Dodgers’ marathon Game 3, which lasted six hours and 39 minutes—second-longest in World Series history. The Hall of Famer praised Freeman, Ohtani, veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw and little-known reliever Will Klein on social media following the 5-4 victory.
Los Angeles now needs two more wins to secure back-to-back championships, a feat Bryant accomplished twice with the Lakers. Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday at Dodger Stadium.
Source: Lakers Nation
