Magic Johnson buys WNBA's Sparks and keeps women's team in LA

Former NBA Lakers great Magic Johnson just scored big for Los Angeles in a different way. This week, Johnson assisted in keeping the WNBA team, the LA Sparks, safe in the city of angels along with the league MVP Candace Parker!

''The leaders of this great city came together quickly to keep this franchise right where it belongs - in the city of Angels,'' Magic Johnson said at a news conference this week outside of the Staples Center. ''Thanks to my sister, Evelyn, playing college basketball, I have a great appreciation of the talented players that represent the WNBA. Our group will now work together to bring our loyal fans another WNBA championship.''

The team is now owned by Johnson, LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, and co-owners Todd L. Boehly, Robert L. Patton and Stan Kasten.

''Earvin came to me and said we need to help save the Sparks and keep them in Los Angeles,'' Walter explained. ''The decision was quite easy for our investment group due to the passion Magic has for this city, these great athletes and our phenomenal fans. This team and its great players should remain a part of the sports fabric of this wonderful city.''

''We're totally thrilled,'' WNBA President Laurel Richie said. ''When Magic chooses to enter into a partnership with a WNBA team, that's a great thing. He's a legend within basketball. He's very knowledgeable about the game. He's a larger-than-life personality. He's an extremely successful business man. He cares about the community the way that the WNBA does.''