Last Tuesday, Los Angeles Lakers made big changes to their front office. The Lakers named Magic Johnson as their new president of basketball operations. Earlier this month, Lakers hired Johnson as their adviser. He works closely with coaches, mentoring players and also assessing future franchise needs.
According to CNN, Jeanie Buss, the Lakers governor was the one who made the big announcement during a press release. Buss fired the longtime general manager, Mitch Kupchak and at the same time, Jim Buss was replaced by the legendary Johnson. Reportedly, Jim previously said that if Lakers will not be performing at a high level he will be stepping down in a matter of three or four years.
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
Johnson’s very happy and grateful for the opportunity given to him. He even said that it is a dream come true for him to return to Lakers as the president of basketball operations and at the same time, working closely with the Buss family.
"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,” says Johnson.
The decision that Jeanie made was not easy but she did it for the betterment of the team and to ensure that Lakers will return to the heights. “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,” says Jeanie.
Jeanie also pointed out that Earvin and her are both determined to win NBA championships again and to make sure for Los Angeles Lakers next generation of greatness.
ESPN shared that Johnson is a very competitive person. Given that, he will really move fast and become more assertive in making sure that things will soon turn around for his beloved Lakers. Apparently, Lakers is facing one of the worst on-court stretches in their history with a 17-65 record.
But Johnson is known not just a successful player but also a great businessman. He is well aware that it would take some time to repair and build up Lakers again. With more effort, anything is possible.
"I'm not naive to that, but I'm excited about that,” says Johnson.
Meanwhile, another NBA news, Jobs & Hire reported that DeMarcus Cousins is now officially part of the New Orleans Pelicans after the controversial trade that took place between Pelicans and Sacramento Kings.
Watch the video below:
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