Back again in the Staples Centre it may have been the Lakers house but the Utah Jazz made sure that L.A. played by their notes as they won 99-94 yesterday to the tune of 26 points from promising sounding rook Gordon Hayward. Bryant scoring 19 on a bum knee and preseason still gave a second scorers output as he continues to improve returning from injury. The Staples faithful got their London 02 on when they chanted for Kobe's return late in the fourth but by then his knee and the game were on ice. He may have hit nothing in the first but he took it all in the third showing everyone the form of the franchise player that he really is. Raja Bell had the closest seat in the house however watching and guarding Kobe. The former Sixers 2001 World Champion runner up was unable to contain the foe who he could of made friends with this offseason before he opted for Utah.
He will always be a part of the Lake Show's showtime but Laker legend and part owner Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has sold his share of the team to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. The Laker and Johnson family with this move have let Soon-Shiong into the Magic circle. The price of this lucrative share was not disclosed but Magic did release this statement, “After heavy deliberation and a weighing heart, I have decided to sell my share of the Lakers to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Dr. Soon-Shiong is a super Lakers fan, an outstanding businessman, a dedicated philanthropist and one of the most active community leaders in Los Angeles.” Earvin also stated that he will continue to support the Lakers and help the organisation's owners Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss and Mitch Kupchak with his work.
Soon-Shiong's resume speaks for itself he is the Chairman of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, Chairman and CEO of All About Advanced Health and founder of the National Coalition for Health Integration. He is also the Executive Director of the UCLA Wireless Health Institute and Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering at UCLA. whilst also being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The credentials go on for this incredible man. Soon-Shiong at press time said “The Lakers’ leadership and spirit of community engendered by Dr. Jerry Buss and his family is an inspiration to us all. Our family looks forward to a future filled with the excitement this team brings to the city and the nation. Earvin Johnson is a shining example of excellence on and off the court, and it is a privilege to have acquired his ownership position.” So we welcome Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to the Lakers family, but somehow it just wont be the same without Johnson's sprinkle of Magic. We'll miss ya Earv. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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