Frank Hughes of the News Tribune reports that Magic Johnson may eventually return to the NBA? as a Supersonic. Johnson said he is "65 or 70 percent down the road" toward becoming a part owner and administrator of the Seattle SuperSonics.

Johnson said he has spoken with Sonics? principal owner Howard Schultz to discuss how much it would cost to buy into the Sonics? ownership group and what role he would play with the organization. All that is left is for Johnson to negotiate a buyout of his stake in the Lakers with Dr. Jerry Buss.

If you ask me where we are, right now we are about 65 or 70 percent down the road," said Johnson, in Seattle to help raise money for the campaign against breast cancer. "I am excited. Howard is excited. Hopefully there can be a deal." Schultz declined to comment Sunday, saying he would wait until Johnson and Buss resolve their financial issues.

Before Johnson can be bought out of his Lakers ownership, the value of the franchise must be determined. Based on the recent sale of the Celtics for $350 million and the leagues? announcement of a $300 million cost to buy a franchise for Charlotte, the Lakers? value could be placed at $500 million. Johnson?s 5 percent stake could net him a $25 million buyout.

According to a source close to the situation, Johnson would then buy 5 percent of the Sonics and would be a "hands-on" owner.

Johnson said a large part of the discussion centered on his role with the franchise. He currently works as a sort of goodwill ambassador for the Lakers, but said he wants to do more with Seattle. "I told Howard I wanted to be a part of the organization, not just an owner," Johnson said. "But I want to make it clear, I don't want to disrupt anything. I want to add to what is already in place."

Johnson said he would help players work out in the summer. He said he would help recruit free agents. He said he would help deal with players with issues because of the respect his name commands. He said he would work in the community to raise team awareness. He said he would even work with local governments to get a new arena if and when that topic arises.

"I'm a worker, so you are going to see me in Seattle green everywhere," Johnson said. "Whatever they would send me in to do, that's what I would do. I am a team player, and so I would be the guy. Wherever you see the need, then you send me in to do that."