Magic answers the call from Disney

The Magic Kingdom may take on new meaning sometime down the road.

A global marketing company like Magic Johnson, locking in with Disney's brand, seems to make some good business sense in these crazy times.

So the fact that ABC/ESPN announced today that the former Lakers star was joining the network studio show starting on Christmas Day is likely one piece of a puzzle that will expand the Magic touch.

You know Magic has that movie theatre at the Crenshaw Mall, and Disney makes movies...

It may be true that the Orlando Magic was named for the fact that Disney has a theme park in the vicinity, but you gotta belive that Magic Johnson's connection to the NBA also had some strength behind that decision several years ago.

On a deal down the road with Disney, Magic said: "I don't know. We could probably talk about that. Disney is an incredible brand and the biggest brand in the world. Everybody knows Disney. Is there other things (besides broadcasting)? I don't know at this time. I'm sure there could be. Right now I'm focused on the NBA. If other business opportunities come, then we'll explore it."

(Added Norby Williamson, the ABC/ESPN exec VP of production: "It's the start of a long relationship. With such an accomplished person, he brings with him a great acumen on basketball, but also is a creative and great business person. We look forward to conversations with him from ESPN about potentially expanding the relationship.")

On leaving TNT, and whether all the trips to Atlanta made a difference in the decision, Magic said: "I'll probably make as many trips to Bristol (Conn., ESPN headquarters). It was a great time there. They're all friends of mine -- Charles (Barkley), Ernie (Johnson) and Kenny (Smith). They were great. ESPN just gave me a great opportunity and I wanted to work the Finals. I'm a basketball junkie and I love the NBA. Nothing went wrong or bad (at TNT)."

Williamson also added that Bill Walton, who Johnson replaces in the NBA studio, will stay with the company doing many other things. Walton suffered from major back problems last year and was left to recouperate at home, missing many studio assignments.

"Bill's in good shape and he'll be popping up and doing some things," Williamson said. "Starting later this week he'll be part of our seminar. He'll continue to be a fixture with the studio programming, contribute to ESPN Radio and online and on ESPN's 'Shoot Around' studio show. His back is feeling much better, and it was so terrible last year."