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Donald Trump and his narrow opinion of Mexicans led to his ouster from his cushy job as host of NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice, but the network is eyeing a possible replacement. It appears that Magic Johnson might get the nod as the network wants to place a successful minority businessman in the hosting chair.

TMZ reported on the speculation, and another popular star was also named although nothing has been officially confirmed by the big wigs over at NBC.

From TMZ:

Magic Johnson is on the NBC wishlist for the new host of “Celebrity Apprentice” … TMZ has learned.

Well-connected ‘Apprentice’ sources tell us the plan is to find “a successful minority businessperson who’s active in the inner cities.” Magic certainly fits that bill. We’re told there has been NO negotiation with him, but he’s high on the list.

We’re also told George Lopez is on that list. He doesn’t have Magic’s business cred, but he’s hugely successful and a solid host. He also fills NBC’s dream bill of getting a Latino to replace Trump. Lopez says he hasn’t been contacted, but we’re told all the discussions so far have been internal.

As TMZ noted, few minority business chiefs have the credentials and star power of Johnson, who has catapulted himself atop the business ranks with his Magic Johnson Enterprises and several holdings in other entities.

NBC could completely flip the script and go for someone who shines behind the scenes but if they’re looking for a rating spike, the NBA Hall Of Fame guard could end up being a big score for the network.

Photo: KIKA/WENN