Lakers hire Magic Johnson to advise ownership

Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s on the court legacy will always be apart of the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Now the organization is using Magic’s expertise in the front office.

The Lakers announced Magic Johnson will serve as an advisor and assist Jeanie Buss in all areas of the basketball and business side of operations.

He will spend time in the team’s offices in El Segundo, CA and evaluate and mentor players, collaborate with coaches, advising ownership on all business and basketball matters, assessing future franchise needs and help ownership with the growth and success of the team.

“Everyone knows my love for the Lakers,” Johnson said. “Over the years, I have considered other management opportunities, however my devotion to the game and Los Angeles make the Lakers my first and only choice. I will do everything in my power to help the Lakers to their rightful place among the elite teams of the NBA.”

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Johnson met with Jeanie Buss on January 18 during the Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets. Although “the exact nature of the meeting was not immediately clear,” Buss has asked for opinions on the direction of the franchise.

“We are thrilled and honored to add Magic’s expertise and abilities, and I look forward to working alongside him,” Jeanie Buss said, via NBA.com.

After a steady start to the season, the Lakers are converting back to the similar woes they’ve had over the last few season. They are currently 17-34, the third worse record in the league and will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

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Magic can’t help the Lakers with his points and assist on the court, but assisting with his point of view on the direction of the franchise could be what this organization needs to bring back the winning tradition the Lakers are known for.