In a turn of events that Lakers fans have been waiting for, Jeanie Buss shook some things up. On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers have relieved GM Mitch Kupchak of his duties. Jim Buss will also no longer be Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Meanwhile, Ervin “Magic” Johnson is now to be named President of Basketball Operations. A move that could have been seen once Magic came aboard a few weeks ago as an advisor to Jeanie Buss.
“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.”
This move should have come a bit sooner as the trade deadline is this Thursday. However, with Magic now running things it shouldn’t be too late to grab a star before the deadline. Johnson said he definitely wanted to make that a priority. He also said he would like to bring Kobe Bryant back in whatever capacity with the organization. With stars like Jimmy Butler, Brook Lopez, Carmelo Anthony in a bunch of trade rumors, you never know what can happen, There is a fine future ahead Laker fans.
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