http://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/170202-magic-johnson-advise-ownership?et_cid=FB The Los Angeles Lakers today announced that Earvin "Magic" Johnson will return to the Lakers to assist Jeanie Buss in all areas of basketball and business as an advisor. "We are thrilled and honored to add Magic's expertise and abilities, and I look forward to working alongside him." said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. "Magic Johnson is one of the NBA's greatest players and it is terrific to see him returning to the Lakers," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "He is a truly special person and a natural leader with a relentless passion for basketball and profound knowledge of the game." "Everyone knows my love for the Lakers. Over the years, I have considered other management opportunities, however my devotion to the game and Los Angeles make the Lakers my first and only choice. I will do everything in my power to help return the Lakers to their rightful place among the elite teams of the NBA," said Johnson. Johnson's duties will include, but not be limited to, advising ownership on all business and basketball matters, collaborating with coaches, evaluating and mentoring players, assessing future franchise needs, and helping ownership to determine the best path for growth and success. Johnson will spend time at Lakers offices in El Segundo and will report directly to Jeanie Buss. As per Lakers policy, terms of agreement will not be disclosed.
Magic also backed the hiring of B-Scott as coach. I'm not a big Magic fan..and can't stand the Dodgers, but he's obviously anti-Jim running the ship, so that can only help the franchise with that concept.
This is huge news. Wow. I guess Jeannie is gonna pull the plug on her brother. I'm nervous and excited at the same time.
I'm not a big Magic fan (post playing days) either. He seems to take great joy in pointing out our missteps. As long as he keeps West, Mitch and Luke I'm good.
Yea, we'll see how much Magic's Twitter feed changes now that he's part of the organization. Can't really bash the brass and higher ups now that you are associated with them. That would make for some awkward meetings. Then again Jim & Jeanie dont' really talk I don't think.
Well...there will possibly be more drama based on Johnson's constant past criticism of Jim Buss as to how that particular dynamic will work. If anything, maybe just maybe he can be of use in convincing some free agents to come on board.
We're in third to last place in the league and Jim promised to have us in contention by now so I'm not shocked especially since Magic was at the game the other night with Jeannie. Things looked better at the beginning of the season but since we've crumbled I don't think Jim will be around much longer as per his own pronouncements.
Another key note: Magic has equity with players these days. I begged to have him in meetings with FAs the last two years. He's personable in ways we just can't replicate. I can't imagine how dry a meeting with Mitch is and I'm sure Jim fades into the background, it's just his personality. Kobe is an interesting person to talk to, but especially towards the end he wasn't the right person to have in meetings either. Magic is the only one out there right now (Jerry West being employed by the Warriors) that gives us a positive presence in those meetings.
lol ole Mitch has the personality of this paperclip on my desk. But I would pay to look over a meeting with Mitch, Jim, Jeanie, Magic and company. I'd have no doubt Magic would be part of the Free Agent pitches. Just don't overpay like some of his Dodgers.
Agreed with therealdeal. We NEED someone with some appeal at these FA meetings this summer and beyond. We have to get ourselves a top tier FA soon. If not this year then next when Paul George is available. Couldn't hurt to have Magic leading the charge. Jim and Mitch can't sell it.
I'm all for this honestly. Should bring in some good PR and continue to send the message that the organization is getting its house in order.
I am very skeptical of this move. Magic is a great business man. I trust him to make the right decisions business wise, but I don't know that I have any trust in him making basketball decisions for the team. All I can say is I hope it all works out, but I'm not enthused
I think Magic can help attract talent not just on the court but for the front office as well. Jim is definitely gone. I imagine Mitch too but we will see.
I'm laughing at this more than I should. If he ever gets fired by the Lakers, he has a promising career as a mortician.
