Magic Johnson Joins Front Office, Are Jim Buss, Mitch Kupchak Out?

No Comments February 8, 2017 Lakers By John Stellman

The service was simple.

Just family and intimate friends.

The burial was nondescript.

A changing of the guard, so to speak.

A New Beginning

A front office that’s closing the door on the immediate past and looking to the future.

Once one of the brightest franchises in all of sports, the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled mightily since the passing of patriarch Dr. Jerry Buss.

Their beloved owner died on February 18, 2013.

Life was also sucked out of the Purple and Gold, who finished that season 27-55.

Rock Bottom

The downward spiral continued in 2014-2015 (21-61).

Things disintegrated quickly the following season when they limped across the finish line with a 17-65 record.

And when you thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did.

After a 10-10 start this season, the Lakers lost 26 of their next 34 games under new coach Luke Walton.

Post Season Drought

Excused from the playoffs the past three years, the Lakers last post season win came in 2011-2012.

Needless to say, the atmosphere around their El Segundo headquarters was more reminiscent of a morgue than Staples Center, where 16 NBA Championship banners decorate the rafters.

Perhaps that’s about to change.

If the front office ever needed a shot in the arm, they’ve just received it.

Showtime Director

Enter the optimistic, effervescent, always smiling face of the franchise, Earvin Magic Johnson.

President and part owner Jeanie Buss, one of the sharpest executives in all of sports, may have pulled off her greatest coup ever.

Johnson’s return is a distant memory from the ceremonial vice president position he previously held.

Magic does not intend to be a figure head.

No Part Timer

“I want to make sure that Jeanie understands that I was going to devote the necessary time or I wouldn’t take the role.

“It’s up to every individual that works for the Laker organization on how they want to utilize my expertise,” the astute business man told Spectrum SportsNet.

Officially, he will be an adviser to Jeanie on both business and basketball matters.

His role has been defined as assisting the front office in determining “the best path for growth and success,” as well as “evaluating and mentoring players.”

Chaotic Time?

This could create some uneasiness in the offices of Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Jim Buss, and General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Jim Buss vigorously promised to have the Lakers contending for a Western Conference championship within three years.

The time has arrived. But the Lakers haven’t.

Yet Magic is hesitant to become involved in front office turmoil.

“Jim is calling the shots.

“I want him to understand I’m just here to lend advice.

“I’m not here to be anything but just give you some basketball knowledge,” Johnson said.

Where’s Jeanie Stand?

Yet if there are differences of opinion who will Jeanie side with?

Magic doesn’t want to create an upheaval in the front offices.

He politically correctly tweeted that he had “a really good phone call” with Jim Buss and a “great conversation” with Kupchak.

When he resigned his position as an “in the background VP“, Johnson did so, “in hopes of clarifying any confusion,” concerning his role.

There is no mistaking Johnson’s role this time around.

If Magic was the the “face on the floor” as a player, he has now become the “face in the front office” as an executive.

He will be Jeanie’s go between guy in dealing with other branches within the organization.

Sounding Board

Also someone Jeanie can sound out when decision need to be made.

Johnson will be vocal and extremely valuable in reestablishing a winning attitude.

And that includes reaching out to free agents in an effort to help the Lakers move up the western division ladder.

Coach Luke Walton loves what Magic brings to the table.

“I’m excited to hear that he wants in and wants to grind.

“The Lakers are showing that we’re committed to getting back on top.

“And bringing someone in like Magic Johnson, with his championship experience, (to have) one of the all-time great players to be around and bounce ideas off and brainstorm different things with is only going to help us in the process.

He’s A Winner

“He’s one of the few players that every player automatically respects without even knowing him because of what’s he’s accomplished as a player and the way he’s seen the game.

“So having a set of eyes like that and a guy they can talk to about what it’s like and what it takes, I’m hopeful will be good for these young guys.

“If there’s messaging that needs to get across, I’m sure we’ll talk about it.

“This is something we’re going to do as a group.

“I like hearing everyone’s opinion and making the final decision from that.

“Obviously, being able to get (Johnson’s) opinion is a valuable one.

“He’s Magic Johnson.

“Not only one of the all-time great Lakers, but one of the all-time great NBA players.

“He’s a champion. It’s a nice piece to have on your side.

Excitement Everywhere

“I’m excited, obviously,” Walton concluded.

So are the players.

“That’s Magic Johnson,

“You can’t not be excited, smiled Nick Young.

Julius Randle called Johnson, “a great basketball mind.”

“One of the greatest players ever to play the game.

One of the greatest Lakers ever,” said Larry Nance Jr.

“We are thrilled and honored to add Magic’s expertise and abilities,” Jeanie said in a statement.

So how thrilled do you think Jim Buss is right about now???

The Southern California News Group Contributed To This Article

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John Stellman

I was born with sports in my blood. I began coaching little league baseball at 15. I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper. I did football play by play for the college radio station. I broadcast high school basketball for a local commercial station. But baseball was always my passion. During the 1970's I covered the Angels for the Orange County Register. And now I am back where I belong...