Dodgers co-owner in Golden State of mind
CLEVELAND -- Peter Guber has worn his Dodgers gear in the enemy territory that is AT&T Park and still received cheers. He might be co-owner of the Dodgers, but Giants fans forgive him because they recognize him as the co-owner of the Golden State Warriors, the NBA's newly crowned champions.
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"They see me, and I've got the antichrist shirt on, and they still love me!" a champagne-soaked Guber said late Tuesday night outside the victorious visitors' locker room at Quicken Loans Arena. "And it's because of the Warriors. They love them. They love the Warriors."
And Guber was loving -- and savoring -- every minute as a champion.
As chairman and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, Guber has experienced the Oscars and the Golden Globes. But nothing, he said, is quite like ascending the mountaintop in professional sports.
"I only have to soak it all in," he said. "I don't have to get off the stage like for the Oscar or the Golden Globe in 12 seconds. I can be appreciative of everybody's success and everybody's participation in it and recognize that this isn't an individual, it's a team. It's not a collection of players, it's a team, it's an organization, it's a culture. Businesses that have culture have winning records, and they aspire - not just perspire - to greatness. I really think this organization, this team, these players, they bonded, and they made that magic happen. I was along for the ride. I love it."
In the aftermath of the Warriors' clinching 105-97 win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Cavaliers, Guber was clearly in a first-place tie for happiest person on the floor at The Q. He called it "an emotional transportation."
Minutes after the game, Guber's friend and business partner, Magic Johnson -- a guy who knows a little bit about basketball -- tweeted his congratulations:
"The Dodgers are doing great," Guber said. "Second-best record in the league, great manager, great organization, great culture.
"We totally believe in the Dodgers. Here's the thing: They're always at the top. They're going to catch a moment, and they're going to go all the way. Hopefully it's this year."
Giants fans might not like to hear that. But those who double as Warriors fans are nonetheless quite pleased with Guber and Co. at the moment.