I don't have a problem with it. Isn't it exactly what we figured? If Magic was asked if he wants to lead and he said "no" would you be here calling him a liar and saying he'said being disingenuous? At this point it's time to embrace the change. It's possible this is a disaster but of everything reported, it really seems necessary. Desperately necessary even.
Again, if this was Jerry West we were talking about - sure, I'd be all up for it. This is Magic. A great player and businessman. A mediocre coach and unknown evaluator of talent (although I am pretty positive there were instances of some super dim stuff from him, just can't be bothered to find them). He also is either: doesn't have a great understanding of the modern game, or lets his personal connections cloud his judgement as evidenced by his Byron support. Either way, not a great prospect.
I don't like Magic anymore. He has been a Kobe hater for long enough and has written too many stupid tweets for me to like him. I can't hate him but I don't like him anymore. Already making noise and talking too much for my tasting.
The first thing Magic said when he was interviewed was that he would surround himself (and thus the team) with the best and the best decision makers. It's exactly what Jerry did and he prides himself on it. That rhetoric is exactly why I'm intrigued by this move. Have you read what Ramona said about Mitch? How the industry has passed him by? It's time to move on.
Do you think that John Ireland is a Lakers apologist? I certainly do. The reason I bring this up is because this is what he said about the Ramona piece, and I'm paraphrasing, "That's the most accurate representation of what's going on with the Lakers right now." How we can not see that it's time to move on? However, does that mean getting rid of Mitch entirely? No, I don't think so. Mitch can help navigate us through his working expertise/knowledge of the CBA, work on trades, and evaluate talent; you know do what he's best at? As far as FA's go, he can take a backseat because he's not a salesman. That's what every great leader does; they assemble the best team and put them in the best possible positions to succeed and let them do their jobs. Let's just see what happens...
I hadn't heard John's take, but yes he is most definitely a Laker apologist. If even he is as blunt about Mitch's effectiveness as that, then it's just absolutely time for change.
I think Magic might be a good sounding board for Luke. Someone he can relate to. If magic is responsible for the young guns getting more minutes that is a positive. Whether Magic or someone else there needs to be someone calling the shots. They get credit or blame. I have had enough trying to figure out if it is Mitch, Jim,, Jeanie, combination of them?? To get results you need someone taking responsibility.
Jeanie: Magic, I want you to be an intermediary presence between the operational and business sides of the Lakers. Magic: So I'm in charge, and have final say? Jeanie: *sigh* Magic: Not today, but soon. After I've proven myself. Tomorrow?
I will go on record and say that Magic being in charge of basketball decisions is a bad idea. Despite Magic being arguably the GOAT and being a fantastic business man, he has shown that he, like Jordan, is one of those guys that the game just came naturally to and he never had to learn the nuts and bolts of the game. He is not a good coach, he has been shaky at best with personel decisions, and I am not sure he understands the modern NBA that is a completely different sport that it was 20 years ago. To me he is a lot like Phil Jackson, they are both great at what they do, Magic the player and Phil the coach, but outside of that lane its a no go. I love the idea of Magic the advisor/business man/recruiter/whatever. I hate the idea of Magic having final say on all things basketball. Now if he can get an all star team of advisors that support him in that endevor, my mind might be changed. One thing is for certain, what we are doing now isn't working.
^You are right Kingsama. It is obvious that Magic making every day calls is a terrible idea. IMO he is only useful as a mascot or as they would say "inspirational leader". A voice of reasoning within the organization. If he was to take trade calls and choose draft prospects and make salary calculations, we are in deep trouble.
I think that Magic can excel as a salesmen, at creating a image for the team, at casting a vision. I am all about him having a place at the table. I think it would be a nightmare to have him as the basketball guy. BUT its slowly becoming clear that Mitchel can't get it done anymore either, if he is the one that is pulling the trigger on FA contracts and recruiting that is. I am not upset at the draft picks as you can see flashes of talent in all of them. I just think the team around them is very incomplete and they have all suffered for it.
I was good with Johnson being "advisor"...not "final say" decision maker. I draw the line there supporting the organization. It looks like Johnson is trying to take over.
I guess we'll see how smart and how strong Laker Girl really is as being the one calling the shots. How much power she is willing to let Magic have. Yikes. Hope she's got it in her to do the right thing here.
Yup I'm on board with Magic the advisor but definitely not Magic the GM (or whatever position he wants).
I'm all in favor of Magic's involvment. Remember, he owns the Sparks and is part owner of the Dodgers and has been successful in running multiple businesses. If he's in charge, he'll get the right people on board to right the ship. I see only good coming out of this.
With Johnson's comments, it probably has an unsettling effect on those already in position not just Jeanie Buss. Kupchak, Ryan West, Jesse Buss...Jim Buss (in a way). They probably don't mind and welcome his input but not to the point of being told what to do.
I'm good with it, too. The Lakers brand has really taken a hit since Jim has been in charge of basketball ops. It's a results business. I'd like to see us do better. He's had his chance and his time. We're not a contender and I don't want to keep losing out on top tier FA's because they don't believe we are the right destination. We need some changes. I don't think Jim and Mitch are convincing anyone great to come here. They haven't even been close so far. The closest we got was with Magic in the room going after Melo. We got brutalized by LMA on our pitch. The next couple/few off seasons have some great candidates in terms of FA's. We need to be ready.
