While the Los Angeles Dodgers had managed since losing Corey Seager to season-ending Tommy John surgery, they made a bold move during the All-Star break by trading for Manny Machado.
While he and the Dodgers have slumped of late, Machado joined what was already proving to be a formidable lineup. The trade also represented a chance for the 26-year-old to join a postseason race and World Series contender.
Still adapting to his new organization and surroundings, Machado has already circled on his calendar an eventual meeting with Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson, to which he is greatly looking forward to, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“I know Magic [Johnson] is one of the Dodgers’ owners, so I ain’t going to lie, that’ll be pretty cool to see him. But I don’t plan to do the Hollywood scene. Maybe a dinner once in awhile. That’s about it.
“I’m just here to play baseball and try to help this team get that one extra win they didn’t have last year.’’
In addition to expressing his excitement in regards to meeting Johnson, Machado also revealed that he hopes to eventually link up with new Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant.
While some athletes in Los Angeles heavily embrace the Hollywood lifestyle, Machado made it clear that he is solely focused on one goal, and that is helping the Dodgers get over the hump to claim their first World Series championship in 30 years.
