Shohei Ohtani has already proved himself as a dual-threat in baseball, but could he also excel in another sport?
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The idea of Ohtani taking up basketball was humorously mentioned following the announcement that the Buss family would transfer the majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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When images of Ohtani donning a Lakers uniform began circulating online after the ownership news, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was queried about the playful internet memes. In a light-hearted manner, Roberts insisted that the Lakers and their enthusiasts should steer clear of Ohtani.
“Absolutely, that’s my stance,” Roberts declared, grinning. “Keep your hands off Shohei. They already have plenty of stars in the purple and gold. Just leave Shohei out of this.”
Dave Roberts says Shohei Ohtani is off limits for the Lakers
(via @DodgerBlue1958)pic.twitter.com/Hn4aRhaNXd
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 18, 2025
So, it seems Ohtani won’t be switching to basketball anytime soon, unless it’s a casual game during the MLB off-season with his wife Mamiko, who is a former professional basketball player in Japan. It’s not far-fetched to think Ohtani could be successful in basketball as he has in baseball, given his athletic prowess.
However, NBA enthusiasts will have to be content with fantasizing about a potential Lakers fast break featuring Ohtani, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. Meanwhile, Ohtani, freshly back on the pitching mound after a two-year break, aims to continue his remarkable performances in baseball.
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Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.
