The Two Reasons Why Magic Johnson Thinks Shohei Ohtani is Like Kobe Bryant

Andy Nesbitt | Oct 29, 2025

Shohei Ohtani has had an epic postseason run for the Dodgers. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani wasn't able to get a win on the mound in Game 4 of the World Series as the Dodgers lost at home to the Blue Jays, 6-2, but he has still had an epic run in the postseason and remains two wins away from winning his second title with Los Angeles.

Ohtani's stardom has only grown since he joined the Dodgers in December of 2023 and another championship would add to his legendary status in a sports city that has grown used to seeing its various teams winning on the biggest stages.

Magic Johnson knows all about that as he led the Lakers to five NBA championships during his Hall of Fame career. The now part-owner of the Dodgers was on Fox's pregame show on Tuesday night where he was asked by Derek Jeter how "Ohtani mania" compares to previous sports stars that played in Los Angeles.

"You’ve been here, you’ve seen stars," Jeter said. "L.A. makes stars, stars come to L.A. You’ve been here yourself. Kobe, Shaq, Gretzky came to LA. How does Ohtani mania compare to those other guys?"

"It’s the same other than they didn’t own a country," Magic said with a laugh. "See, because he owns Japan. The same impact—the fans love him. I think it’s more like Kobe and the type of impact he’s made on the field and off the field. He’s a humble young man and he’s serious about becoming the baseball player we’ve ever seen."

Here's that pregame segment:

“I think he’s more like Kobe in the type of impact he’s made on the field and off the field.”@MagicJohnson joins our #WorldSeries Pregame Show and talks about how Shohei Ohtani compares to other superstars who have played in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/xMrtgCWgo3

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 28, 2025

That's some pretty high praise from Magic, as Bryant is one of the most beloved athletes to ever play in Los Angeles.

Ohtani was huge in the marathon Game 3 win on Monday night, hitting two home runs and two doubles before being intentionally walked three times in his final at-bats.

He then got the start on the mound in Game 4 and while he wasn't able to get the win he showed everyone just how special he is and how much of a competitor he is by throwing six solid innings just hours after playing in one of the best games in World Series history.

Game 5 is back at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, which means Ohtani will have one last chance to make some more magic in front of his home fans.

If Los Angeles is able to beat the Blue Jays two more times, Ohtani mania in Los Angeles will hit another level.

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