Magic Johnson said Sunday he is "65 or 70 percent down the road" toward becoming a part owner and administrator of the Seattle SuperSonics.

In an interview with the News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., Johnson told the newspaper he and Sonics principal owner Howard Schultz this summer have discussed how much money it would cost Johnson to join the Sonics ownership group and what role he would play with the organization.

Johnson owns a 5 percent stake in the Lakers -- the team he led to five NBA championships -- and said all that is left is discussing with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss a financial buyout.

"If you ask me where we are, right now we are about 65 or 70 percent down the road," Johnson, inducted into the Hall of Fame two weeks ago, told the News Tribune. "I am excited. Howard is excited. Hopefully there can be a deal."

In June, Johnson told the News Tribune that he and Schultz had talked hypothetically about working together. However, later in the summer, Johnson and Schultz worked out the details of a possible deal.

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."

Schultz declined to comment Sunday when reached by the newspaper, saying he would wait until Johnson and Buss resolve their financial issues.

Johnson said he and Buss have not spoken recently. What needs to be determined is the value of the three-time defending champion Lakers, a task made more difficult by the recent sale of the Boston Celtics for $390 million and the NBA's announcement that purchasing an expansion team in Charlotte would cost at least $300 million.

Forbes magazine in January estimated the Lakers' value at $403 million. However, in the same study the Celtics were estimated to be worth $218 million and sold for almost twice that amount several weeks ago.

If the Lakers are worth at least $500 million, Johnson stands to receive a minimum of $25 million. According to a source familiar with the situation, Johnson would purchase a 5 percent ownership stake in the Sonics, the price of which is yet to be determined. Schultz, who owns 42.5 percent of the team, and his partners purchased the Sonics for $200 million in March 2001.

Johnson told the News Tribuned he would help players work out in the summer, help recruit free agents, and help deal with players with issues because of the respect his name commands. He also said he would work in the community to raise team awareness, and 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."

Johnson lives in Los Angeles, where he runs Magic Johnson Enterprises. He said he would continue to live in California, but would maintain a residence in Seattle.