Richest man in L.A. might join a bid for the Dodgers

The richest man in Los Angeles has not bid for the Dodgers.

However, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong could join the Dodgers sweepstakes soon — not by bidding on his own, but by joining one of the groups already in the running to buy the team. Soon-Shiong has met with several prospective bidders, and he had dinner recently with outgoing Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.

Soon-Shiong purchased Magic Johnson’s ownership stake in the Lakers in 2010. Johnson, who has teamed with longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten to try to buy the Dodgers, also has paid his respects to McCourt.

However, Soon-Shiong has not committed to join with Johnson or any other bidder, according to his representative, Chuck Kenworthy.

“We have not teamed up with any group at this time,� Kenworthy said. “We do know and have a great deal of respect for a number of the groups that are bidding for the Dodgers.�

Soon-Shiong is a doctor, biotech investor and philanthropist. Forbes estimated his net worth at $7 billion in September.

In a November interview with ESPN, Soon-Shiong said he was much more passionate about basketball than baseball, but he said he would not rule out investing in the Dodgers.

“My commitment is to Los Angeles, so whatever helps this continue to be a great city, that’s what I would be focused to do,� he said, “and the Dodgers are certainly iconic to Los Angeles.�

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