When news broke that Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter had agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for a record-breaking $10 billion, it took the sporting world by storm.

Suddenly, one of the more “house poor” franchises in the NBA was bankrolled by some of the deepest pockets in professional sports, and as a result, they can really go all-in on building a contender like their former arena mates, the Los Angeles Clippers.

But could that move include bringing in another LA legend, Shohei Ohtani, who both throws strikes and hits dingers down the street at Dodger Stadium? Well, while some have already made that joke on social media, skipper Dave Roberts decided to shut it down on the spot during his press conference before the Dodgers-Padres game, joking that the Lakers already have enough superstars, so they should leave his top guy alone.

“Yeah, that's my message, hands off Shohei,” Roberts joked. “Yeah, they've got enough superstars. Leave him alone.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Dodgers News
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Will Smith walks off the Padres with pinch hit home runRexwell Villas ·
Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Michael Conforto (23), center fielder Hyeseong Kim (6) and right fielder Andy Pages (44) celebrate after the final out of the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts makes Michael Conforto admission amid Hyeseong Kim’s riseTroy Finnegan ·
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) scores a run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Trivino
Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. sounds off on possible hostility in Dodgers seriesZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Dodgers president Stan Kasten (left), chairman and controlling owner Mark Walter (center) and manager Dave Roberts watch batting practice prior to the game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.
Lakers fans will love Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ take on franchise saleTroy Finnegan ·
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Diaz (43) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts drops major update on Alexis DiazZachary Howell ·
3-Los-Angeles-Dodgers-who-must-make-2025-All-Star-Team
3 Los Angeles Dodgers who must make 2025 All-Star TeamRB Hayek ·

Asked if Ohtani even has any basketball abilities, Roberts didn't comment either way, noting that the Lakers already have an international star of their own in Rui Hatchimura and that he can hold things down for the purple and gold as “Showtime” continues to dominate with the Dodgers.

“I think Hachimura's taking care of the Japanese stuff. He's got that. We've got Shohei. Thanks guys.”

Now technically, the Ohtani family is familiar with professional basketball, as Shohei's wife, Mamiko Tanaka, was a member of the Fujitsu Red Wave from 2019-23 before retiring. Still, outside of some fun branding opportunities which could see Ohtani is a Lakers uniform to move some tickets or potentially model for a bobblehead, it's probably best that he stays in his lane at Chavez Ravine as he has an MVP to defend and a World Series dynasty to start should the Dodgers bring home the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy once more this October.