It was totally worth reading. I love hearing directly from the source even if it's biased because smart people (like us if I do say so myself) can read between the lines and see what happened. The way I see it, Jeanie reached her end with the timeline when it became clear we weren't making the playoffs. Her plan all along was to invite Magic in and she met with siblings (the ones working within the Lakers especially) to see if that decision would be well met. It was. Now they've decided to move and Jim is absolutely 100% out of the picture in terms of operations. He'll still be an owner obviously, but without any decision making power. And yes I agree @RandleROFY that Magic even said in his TWC interview that for his business dealings he hires people he trusts and that will excel. He can do the same here and yeah it's exactly what his adopted father did. I like it. I know there's some feeling of "oh here we go again bringing up the 80s", but I'm forever optimistic. Magic might not be good with Twitter, but he's been successful just about everywhere he's gone. It's good to have him back in the mix.
Bottomline to me: we can debate the merits of the Magic "advisory" role all day long, but this is what I do know that can't be argued: Magic loves the Lakers. Admittedly, after the interview, it felt good having him back. It really did.
Same here. I think Magic knows his strengths and weaknesses and appears to be on the same page with the rest of the Buss family. I expect him to be the public face of the team and handle a lot of the PR while they push Jim out the door. Can't think of too many people better suited for that. Its clear Magic's been waiting for a chance to get back involved. Time will tell, but I don't think he's going to blow this.
...Johnson won't be a prop in place or a title holder of no substance but he'll have a healthy input in personnel decisions. I'd be surprised if he undermines anyone. If he's not happy he'd likely pull a Westhead treatment and just distance himself. I found Young's reaction to Johnson's comments sincere and like a son getting praised by a father.
Yes but Johnson was a placeholder of no influence whatsoever then. Who knows if it could be different this time around now that he will be on the hook for it.
Jeanie: Magic, can we hire you for a figure head role and blame you for firing my brother Jim at the end of the year? Magic: I'm in! Jeanie: Sign here!
I thought it was a great interview as well. I liked how Magic said he is willing to help in any/all areas but wants those people to ask for him or if they think he could be of use. Came across as non-threatening.
Byron also loves the Lakers. Hell, Kwame is probably very fond of his time in P&G as well. Just saying.
He does, and he did a horrible job. I was against the Byron hiring from the very beginning. I tried to give it a chance, but I knew in the back of my mind, it wouldn't work. It didn't, and we moved on. If Magic plays the role he visualizes for himself, and let's others do their jobs, I believe he'll do great. On the other hand, if he decides to play the Isaiah Thomas role for the Knicks, then we're screwed. I choose to believe the former and not the latter because I believe him.
Jim is all but gone. Mitch is probably safe, but we'll have to wait and see; I have an affinity for Mitch, and I still think he's one of the better GM's in the league. I'd want him around in some capacity. By the way, two things that will happen, IMO which aren't bad at all: Luke will have more of a voice and probably more power(reported in the Ding article), and I believe you'll see Ryan West as GM far sooner than we all think.
Last night during ESPN's NBA Halftime: Jalen Rose: "Magic, you have a lot of work to do!" He does, Kupchak does, Walton does, Ryan West does, Jesse Buss does... We have very good pieces in place just waiting on who will emerge as the leader and go to player. My money now is on Ingram. I would not compare what Johnson will be doing to Thomas. More the capacity in some sense what Bird does in Indiana but without the final say. Thomas ran the CBA (?) into the ground and caused turmoil within the Knicks organization. I doubt Johnson will cause similar problems. We have to keep in mind that his role is limited.
Good news. Russell did play with some control last night... Johnson can address those issues with him.
