Magic Johnson on Lakers’ title chances and Commanders ownership

Think about it. It is a historic franchise that has already won Super Bowls — I think it was three [in the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons]. Doug Williams, watching him win the Super Bowl [in the 1987 season]. We all celebrated that, especially African Americans in the country. When you think about Washington, D.C., a majority minority city. I’ve done business there in Washington, D.C. And I told this story — and people forget this — I was the last person [former Lakers owner] Jack Kent Cooke signed and he had to sign me so that he could then sell the team to Dr. Buss [in 1979]. So, when Dr. Buss wrote him that check, he needed that check to buy the Washington Redskins. It’s that crazy. People don’t know that. That [$67.5 million] went a long way. So, I guess it’s destiny that I’m supposed to be a part of this because I’ve done so much in the city. Abe Pollin, the old Bullets owner, was one of my mentors as well. He introduced me to a lot of business people in D.C., and this was when I was still a player. It’s just crazy how things lined up. This is where I’m supposed to be.

Josh Harris waves to Washington Commanders fans during a pep rally at FedEx Field on Friday. His wife, Marjorie Harris, stands to his right.

(Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Think about it. It is a historic franchise that has already won Super Bowls — I think it was three [in the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons]. Doug Williams, watching him win the Super Bowl [in the 1987 season]. We all celebrated that, especially African Americans in the country. When you think about Washington, D.C., a majority minority city. I’ve done business there in Washington, D.C. And I told this story — and people forget this — I was the last person [former Lakers owner] Jack Kent Cooke signed and he had to sign me so that he could then sell the team to Dr. Buss [in 1979]. So, when Dr. Buss wrote him that check, he needed that check to buy the Washington Redskins. It’s that crazy. People don’t know that. That [$67.5 million] went a long way. So, I guess it’s destiny that I’m supposed to be a part of this because I’ve done so much in the city. Abe Pollin, the old Bullets owner, was one of my mentors as well. He introduced me to a lot of business people in D.C., and this was when I was still a player. It’s just crazy how things lined up. This is where I’m supposed to be.