Chapter 641

The next day, in the suite at the SLS Hotel, Charles woke up to see Alexandra Daddario.

"Kristen went back. She has to attend an award ceremony today," Alexandra Daddario explained after seeing Charles wake up, having just washed up in the bathroom.

Charles nodded, kissed her on the cheek, and said, "I'm going to handle some other things later. I'll come find you tonight!"

"I'll wait for you," Alexandra Daddario responded.

Charles, of course, was going to meet Dona Williams to understand the situation with Ervin Johnson, not to mention the investment team this guy had joined trying to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers; He also remembered the 4.5% shares of the Lakers he held...

"Magic" Johnson seemed to have gotten involved with the Detroit Pistons. The current owner of the Detroit Pistons was Karen Davidson, wife of Bill Davidson. Bill Davidson, who made his fortune in the glass business, had become the owner of the Detroit Pistons in 1974. After Bill Davidson passed away in 2009, Karen Davidson took over the Detroit Pistons. However, her health wasn't great, and she was looking to sell the team!

The Los Angeles Lakers legend, "Magic" Johnson, had always hoped to own an NBA team, but the Lakers were not interested in selling more shares to him. Seeing Michael Jordan become the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats now, an envious "Magic" finally made up his mind to team up with others to buy the Detroit Pistons.

Unfortunately, a billionaire from California, private equity giant Tom Gores, also contacted Karen Davidson!

A private equity fund boss worth over $2 billion versus a basketball legend with less than $100 million in assets. The outcome was pretty clear.

"Wait a minute, isn't Ervin Johnson selling his shares in the Lakers? Since he's behind Tom Gores in the Pistons bid; Is he still selling the shares? And how did he unite with Guggenheim Partners to buy the Dodgers?" Charles asked Dona Williams in the office of West Pacific Union Bank in Los Angeles, and his mother Evelyn was also there.

Dona Williams smiled, "He's just a minor shareholder, mainly using his celebrity effect. Whether it's the Pistons or the Dodgers, he has ideas, but he definitely prefers shares in the Pistons. The Dodgers are his backup plan!"

Evelyn, who was sitting on the sofa with her arms folded, asked, "Never mind that. Is he selling his shares in the Lakers right now?"

Dona Williams nodded, "Many people are interested, but the shares are few, and the Lakers' major shareholder, the Buss family, will definitely not give up control. Even with these 4.5% shares, it's just a pure investment!"

Evelyn waved her hand, "Contact Ervin Johnson's team directly and buy these 4.5% Lakers shares in my name!"

Dona Williams nodded, then looked at Charles, "The head of Guggenheim Partners is billionaire Todd Boehly, and he has a partner, billionaire Mark Walter.

Johnson mainly joined their bidding team for publicity, but the main funds for the Dodgers acquisition come from Mark Walter and Todd Boehly.

And Todd Boehly's Guggenheim Partners has quite a bit of media business too. For example, Dick Clark Productions and The Hollywood Reporter are part of this company!"

Charles perked up upon hearing Dick Clark Productions, asking, "Is this the company that produces the Golden Globe Awards, American Idol, Billboard Music Awards, and the American Music Awards?"

Dick Clark Productions was indeed a well-known variety show and award show producer.

"Yes, that's the one," Evelyn confirmed. "They partnered with RedZone to buy it for $300 million in 2008."

"The new NBA broadcast contract is about to be renegotiated. The value of the Lakers has huge room for appreciation, and being in Los Angeles," Charles looked at his mother, "Mom, becoming a minority shareholder of the Lakers isn't bad at all. Staples Center's courtside never lacks your artists!"

"Alright, I know," Evelyn wasn't bothered, asking, "Who are the investors competing for Johnson's shares right now?"

"There's one biggest competitor, a renowned pharmaceutical scientist named Dr. Patrick, who is Chinese-American, with assets over $7 billion," Dona Williams explained. "Patrick Soon-Shiong the one invented cancer drugs!"

"This guy!" Evelyn rubbed her forehead, "He's quite difficult. His assets are very substantial."

Charles scoffed, "Substantial assets? Can they compare to our family? When negotiating with Ervin Johnson, also bring along old Buss and Philip Anschutz. After all, they are major shareholders of the Lakers!"

The Buss family, owning 66% of the Lakers' shares, was the biggest shareholder, holding the team's management rights. Philip Anschutz's AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) owned 27% of the Lakers' shares, along with half of Staples Center's equity, and managed the Staples Center arena!

Would Philip Anschutz and old Buss refuse Evelyn Capet joining them?

Who was Evelyn Capet? Chairwoman and CEO of the world's largest talent agency EDR, and Charles Capet's mother!

"Okay, I think old Buss and Philip Anschutz will help persuade Johnson," Evelyn didn't mind spending a few million, as it was her hometown team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Seeing Charles's focus on the Los Angeles Dodgers now, it was clear that buying a hometown team was very appealing!

*****

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