Basketball HOFer Magic Johnson met with Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and other civic leaders from Southern Nevada last month in a “series of meetings regarding launching a formal pursuit of a Las Vegas NBA expansion team and potential arena/hotel project on the Strip,” according to Mick Akers of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL. Johnson was “joined by members of his The MAGI expansion group,” which includes sports and entertainment veteran Andre Cleveland and Las Vegas businessman Mike Bellon, who are “looking to secure an NBA expansion franchise in Las Vegas,” should the league decide to expand. Johnson is “aware that there could be logistical hurdles to clear as part of those discussions.” Johnson holds minority stakes in the Dodgers, Commanders, Sparks, LAFC and Washington Spirit. Johnson also formerly held a minority stake in the Lakers. If the NBA Board of Governors next month chooses to designate cities they are officially considering for expansion teams, with “Las Vegas and Seattle among the favorites, talks between the league and ownership groups would begin.” The MAGI is also “in the process of vetting multiple locations for a potential arena-resort development on and off the Strip” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL, 3/10).