A week ago, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson new role as an adviser to team owner Jeanie Buss was revealed. A week later, Magic says that he wants to “call the shots” during his interview with USA Today. When asked about his role Johnson had this to say:
“Right now I’m advising. I get that. But at the end of the day, then we all got to come together and somebody’s got to say, ‘I’m making the final call,’ all right? And who’s that going to be?
“So, we’ll see what happens.’’
Johnson stated that the decision will be up to Jeanie Buss. Her brother Jim Buss has been the one in charge of the team after the passing of their father, the late, great Jerry Buss. Jim stated four years ago, that he would step down after three or four years if the team was not competing for championships again. They are 18-37 this season, and were a combined 65-181 the last three seasons. He also said that he has spoken to Lakers head coach Luke Walton on the phone, and that he looks forward to having a meeting with the first year head coach when they return from their current road trip.
Magic believes his role will be decided at the end of the season.
“I may only be in this role for a short term, I may be here for a long time. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I can’t tell you that right now.’’
Johnson stated that he spent his first week learning about salary cap, the CBA, and other business related things, when it comes to player evaluation he had this to say.
“This part (evaluating players) comes easy, watching people play and seeing how they play, whose game hopefully can translate to the next level, those type of things. You’ll find out more as you get to interview them later on, the draft and workouts we have pre-draft. Then you’ll find out a lot more.”
This may be the beginning of the end for Mitch Kupchak, Magic Johnson is one of the greatest players in not only the Los Angeles Lakers history but the NBA itself. He may be the right guy to takeover LA, and get them back on the winning side.
