Los Angeles Lakers fire Mitch Kupchak, promote Magic Johnson
The Los Angeles Lakers shook up the front office two days before the trade deadline, firing Mitch Kupchak and promoting Magic Johnson.
Only 48 hours from the trade deadline, the Lakers decided to blow up the organization. Los Angeles has fired long-time general manager Mitch Kupchak along with Jim Buss, formerly Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. While the search for a new general manager is on, the Lakers have promoted Magic Johnson to President of Basketball Operations, per a team press release.
Los Angeles has been floundering in recent years, especially since the passing of former owner Jerry Buss in 2013. Since then, daughter Jeanie has been running the franchise, with little success. Kupchak was the general manager from 1995-17, winning five titles in that span. However, many give much of the credit to Jerry West for his first three titles, who was instrumental in acquiring Shaquille O’Neal.
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
GM Mitch Kupchak has been relieved of his duties and Jim Buss will no longer be EVP of Basketball Operations. 2/2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 21, 2017
Johnson brings a ton of star power, but has little experience in building a team. He has never had a prominent front office role before, and only briefly coached the Lakers in the mid-90s following his initial retirement.
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Los Angeles is 19-39 this season, only a half-game better than the Phoenix Suns, who sit in the Western Conference basement. With so little success over the past few years, Johnson is tasked with revitalizing a franchise once known for consistency and showmanship. During Johnson’s time as a player from 1979-91, the Lakers reached the NBA Finals on nine occasions, winning five titles.