The Manila Times

‘Magic’ takes charge in major Lakers shakeup

- AFP

in Manila) named president of basketball operations for the struggling NBA squad.

Lakers president and part-owner Jeanie Buss also announced of basketball operations Jim Buss, Jeanie’s brother and son of former owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013.

“Today I took a series of actions I believe will return the Lakers 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

lineup alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA all-time scoring

The Lakers returned to greatness behind superstar guard Kobe hard times since.

“It’s a dream come true to return to the Lakers as presi I’ve been a part of the Laker Nation and I’m passionate

“I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to

Jeanie Buss said she acted so the organizati­on would unite behind one vision and plan for improvemen­t going forward.

“I took these actions today to achieve one goal. Everyone associated with the Lakers will now be pulling in the same she said. “We are determined to get back to competing

Kupchak, 62, had been controling general manager

Jeanie Buss said that she and her brother shared the same desire in seeing the team prosper once more.

“Jim loves the Lakers. Although he will no longer be responsibl­e for basketball personnel decisions, he is an owner of this team and we share the same goal: returning the Lakers to the level of greatness our father

 ?? AFP PHOTO ?? Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is honored during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center on February 19, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
AFP PHOTO Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. is honored during the 2017 NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center on February 19, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines