With Magic Johnson on board as an adviser to president and co-owner Jeanie Buss, the Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to return to their winning ways and restore glory to one of the NBA’s premier franchises.
But what exactly will the Lakers’ legend do for the team?
Last week, Johnson told USA Today that he would love to “call the shots” in the future.
On Monday, he clarified those comments to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, but reiterated that he wants to be in a position where his voice is heard on basketball-related matters.
“I’m just an adviser. But I want to make sure that I have some type of input, and then [executive vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss] can decide how he wants to use that input,” Johnson said.
There’s a lot of speculation, curiosity and excitement surrounding Johnson’s return to the Lakers. What should his role be with the team?
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According to Shelburne, Johnson will meet with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and Buss this upcoming Monday to discuss the state of the current team and its plans leading up to the Feb. 23 trade deadline.
“Everybody has to be on the same page right now,” Johnson told ESPN. “What we should be concerned about is not just right now but how it will affect the future of the Lakers. That’s why we all have to be on the same page.”
Johnson, who was hired on Feb. 2, has yet to meet with head coach Luke Walton but did speak to second-year point guard D’Angelo Russell.
“I have plans to coach games tomorrow and Wednesday,” Walton said at practice on Monday. “And then when I get some free time, I would love and am looking forward to sitting down with Magic. It’s going to happen. There’s just no time right now.”
–Isaac Chipps
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