Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson has made his way back to the Los Angeles Lakers, the team announced. Magic Johnson will be advising the basketball and ownership decisions of the team.
The Los Angeles Lakers today announced that Earvin “Magic” Johnson will return to the Lakers to assist Jeanie Buss in all areas of basketball and business as an advisor.
“We are thrilled and honored to add Magic’s expertise and abilities, and I look forward to working alongside him.” said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss.
“Magic Johnson is one of the NBA’s greatest players and it is terrific to see him returning to the Lakers,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “He is a truly special person and a natural leader with a relentless passion for basketball and profound knowledge of the game.”
Johnson’s duties will include, but not be limited to, advising ownership on all business and basketball matters, collaborating with coaches, evaluating and mentoring players, assessing future franchise needs, and helping ownership to determine the best path for growth and success. Johnson will spend time at Lakers offices in El Segundo and will report directly to Jeanie Buss.
Magic Johnson was part of the purchases of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks, and a future MLS club in Los Angeles, and he, of course, spent 13 years playing point guard for the Lakers in the 80’s and 90’s.
Johnson had his honorary vice president of the Lakers removed in 2016 so there wouldn’t be confusion over whether or not he played a role with the team. In 2010, Johnson sold his share of ownership in the Lakers. He owned 4.5% of the Lakers for about 16 years.
Magic Johnson has been very vocal about his criticism of the Lakers the past couple of years. He made the news when he ripped Jim Buss apart for the hiring of Mike D’Antoni. He said Buss needed someone to help him out, and that Buss should just stick to being the owner.
Magic wants to help the Lakers get back to being one of the top teams in the league.