Magic Johnson Says Dodgers Didn't Ruin MLB, Cites Lakers, Celtics, Jordan's Bulls

Magic Johnson has heard all the chatter that the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are hurting the sport, but he had no issue dismissing those criticisms.

While celebrating the Dodgers' second straight title, Johnson compared the team to the NBA's great dynasties like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.

"They said we ruined baseball," Johnson said, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times. "Well, I guess we didn't. ... What the Celtics and Lakers were able to do, and Michael Jordan's Bulls, was to bring in new fans — fans that were, 'Oh, I don't know about the NBA,' but the play was so good, and the Celtics and Lakers and Bulls were so dominant, people said, 'Oh man, I want to watch them.' It's the same thing happening here."

The Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic seven-game World Series that culminated with an 11-inning instant classic 5-4 victory in Saturday's Game 7. The victory gave Johnson his third championship ring as part-owner of the Dodgers, and his 18th career championship as a player or owner.

However, detractors were quick to call out Los Angeles for its massive spending spree in recent years. According to Spotrac, the Dodgers had the highest payroll in MLB this season at $350 million.

These criticisms could fuel MLB's push to establish a salary cap, which is something the players have been firmly against. Shaikin described the league's "leadership appears intent on lighting its good fortune on fire" rather than capitalizing on the growing popularity of the sport.

Johnson made it clear that he feels the Dodgers are leading the charge in bringing in new fans, so it doesn't sound like the team will stop spending big anytime soon as it chases more World Series titles in the ensuing seasons.

"My phone was blowing up with people who hadn't watched baseball for a long time," Johnson said. "They were watching this series. This was good for baseball around the world."