The Lakers shake up the front office after the all-star break. As many players and executives returned to work, the Lakers made some front office moves that include family ties and a Laker great. magic johnson, who was originally hired as an advisor for the Lakers, was just hired as the President of Basketball Operations, while Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak were relieved of their duties Tuesday afternoon.
Family Ties
Jeanie Buss, governor of the Lakers organization made a move that many believed should've been made a while ago. She fired her brother Jim Buss, who was executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.
When their father Jerry Buss passed away years ago, Jim and Jeanie were left with the team trying to bring it back to the glory days that many people remember about the Lakers. Since their father's death, they have had terrible seasons, finishing a combined 65-181 in the last three complete seasons (2013-2016). Many have questioned the acquisition of players throughout that time, which was GM Mitch Kupchak's and Jim Buss' duties while they were in office. Jeanie Buss, knowing the family ties involved, needed to make a decision about the franchise, but many believed she kept Jim around all this time due to her patience with her brother, but also knowing the family ties.
Jeanie felt as though time was up, as she hired Magic Johnson as an advisor Feb. 2.
Magic made it known he wanted to have a larger role with the organization as he explained on ESPN's First Take. She released a statement about her actions saying, "Today I took a series of actions I believe will return the Lakers to the heights Dr. Jerry Buss demanded and our fans rightly expect,” (Los Angeles Times). She knows that the slump the Lakers have been in wouldn't make her father proud, and that even though Jim was family, changes needed to be made sooner rather than later.
Magic as the Lakers President is huge! Makes sense but the fact that Jeannie has professionally ethered her brother is HUGE
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) February 21, 2017
Magic's Moment
With his new role with the Lakers, Magic Johnson is looking forward to attempting to bring new talent to his beloved franchise. Johnson knows what it takes to win championships, as he has is a five-time champion with the Lakers.
He was honorary vice president with the team, eventually resigning last June. He is a face many players know around the league, and as L.A is already a nice free agent landing spot, Magic only makes the situation even better. Being a former player, he knows what a team needs to be successful and what pieces need to move in order for that to happen. Jeanie Buss wouldn't have made this move if she wasn't confident in Magic's abilities, so he knows what's at stake and how much work is needed to bring the Lakers back to prominence. In a statement he said "I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court. We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions.” (Los Angeles Times).
The Lakers made a much needed move for their franchise and they hired the right man for the job. With his championship pedigree and experience, Magic Johnson is ready to take on this role, and put the Lakers back on top.
