The MLS is having a moment, and LAFC’s clearly not here to sit on the sidelines. While the spotlight’s usually hogged by Messi and Inter Miami, this time it’s the Black and Gold making waves—and not because of their seventh spot in the West. To shake things up, they’ve added yet another massive name to their already star-studded ownership group. Yup, alongside Magic Johnson and company, another global heavyweight has joined the boardroom.

“Legendary defender and former LAFC player Giorgio Chiellini has joined the club’s ownership group,” said LAFC’s X handle. With this, the LAFC is making it clear: they’re here to build a brand. Not only does Chiellini bring in the money they’d need to reinvest into big-name players to take them back to the top, but he brings something they’ve been lacking for a while now – grit, tenacity, and leadership. And his biggest strength? The man’s been no-nonsense all his life. Either the ball or the man gets past, not both. And it’s exactly what they need from the Italian legend.

But you know who’s the happiest of the lot? Magic himself. He wouldn’t show it too much, of course. “I want to welcome Giorgio Chiellini to the LAFC ownership group!” was all he said on X. But for the Lakers legend, simplicity’s the answer. It’s a far cry from the rest of his usual reactions, sure. It’s still a big deal with a man of his stature rolls into town with such remarks.

Chiellini’s a part of the big boys now. He joins Will Ferrell, Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra, Joe Tsai, Harry Tsao, Rick Welts, and an array of tech, venture capital, and business leaders as a part of the ownership group. All big names in sports and entertainment – but none with the soccer IQ the rustic Italian brings into the fray. Well, other than Hamm the GOAT. Strap in, it’s going to be revolutionary. But it’s wild when you think about it—both of LA’s prized franchises shaking things up in the same breath.

Magic Johnson’s reaction to Lakers’ Deandre Ayton coup was peak Magic

They finally got their man—and the Lakers Nation is glowing brighter than a July sun in LA. The city’s baking, but it’s the basketball heat that’s got fans sweating in anticipation. A fresh shot at glory is back on the menu, and nobody embodies that hope more than Magic Johnson. The man bleeds purple and gold—always has, always will. But the Deandre Ayton signing?

That triggered a side of Magic we don’t see often. The kind of unanimated, stoic that makes you want to bet the house, the car, and your neighbor’s lawn chair on another banner flying into the rafters. Let’s break the ice here. Bleacher Report and NBATV collabbed for the massive announcement of the former Phoenix Suns big man flying into the LakeShow head first.

“DeAndre Ayton is expected to sign with the Lakers, as per @chrisbhaynesnba. LA gets their big man👀,” said the post, showing a clear sign of intent that Showtime was returning in prime time. You’d expect a seismic level of activity in the City of Angels at that point. But in the silent, dark night stood Magic Johnson, with a cold, stoic demeanor that’d get Christian Bumstead quaking. It was radio silence from the Magician.

You’d expect the NBA’s David Copperfield to be thanking whatever Gods he believes in for this game-changing coup. But guess what – you never know what to expect with Magic Johnson. If anything, Giorgio Chiellini’s grit and Johnson’s charisma might be what LAFC needs to get back to playing with the big boys. What do you think?