Lakers make Magic Johnson President of Basketball Operations
After the All-Star break, teams look to change things up in order to make a late season push for the postseason (the Cousins trade for example). On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to make a huge change; but to their front office, rather than their roster. Arguably the most historic franchise in the NBA, the Lakers hired Earvin "Magic" Johnson as President of Basketball Operations. Johnson and his five NBA championships as a player are a big reason that the Lakers have been so historically great. Johnson steps in to replace Mitch Kupchak. In addition, Jim Buss will no longer be executive vice president of basketball operations.
OFFICIAL: @MagicJohnson named President of Basketball Operations in front office restructuring. https://t.co/Zyz3HMbosr 1/2 pic.twitter.com/b8HezpW3Uc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 21, 2017
via Lakers.com
Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss announced today that the team has named Earvin “Magic” Johnson as President of Basketball Operations. In addition, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately. Furthermore, Jim Buss will no longer hold his role as Lakers Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.
“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,” Jeanie Buss said. “Effective immediately, Earvin Johnson will be in charge of all basketball operations and will report directly to me. Our search for a new General Manager to work with Earvin and Coach Luke Walton is well underway and we hope to announce a new General Manager in short order. Together, Earvin, Luke and our new General Manager will establish the foundation for the next generation of Los Angeles Lakers greatness.
“It’s a dream come true to return to the Lakers as President of Basketball Operations working closely with Jeanie Buss and the Buss family,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “Since 1979, I’ve been a part of the Laker Nation and I’m passionate about this organization. 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.”
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson has inherited a roster loaded with young talent with the likes of Nick Young, Brandon Ingrim, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle to go along with a very sharp-minded head coach in Luke Walton. It'll be very fun to watch and see if this organization can turn itself around after multiple down years.
