Los Angeles-based billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong could be an early front-runner in purchasing part or all of AEG, the sports and entertainment company that owns L.A. Live and the Staples Center, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.

Soon-Shiong made a failed effort to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this year and is a minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. A source close to the situation reported that Soon-Shiong has already had a meeting with Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson as a possible partner.

Soon-Shiong is a former surgeon and biotech investor, who founded drug developer Abraxis BioScience Inc. His net worth was said to be $7 billion last year by Forbes Magazine, making him the richest man in L.A.

AEG is a subsidiary of the The Anschutz Corporation, who aside from their stake in L.A. Live has their hand in the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, MLS' Los Angeles Galaxy and other entertainment venues such as Portland's Rose Garden.

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