Magic Johnson’s story is deeply attached to the Los Angeles Lakers, as the point guard became the greatest in his position during a terrific career with the Purple and Gold. He’s widely considered the greatest Laker of all time with due reason, with a story that still lasts to this day.
Even after his retirement, Johnson remained close with the organization until he became the president of basketball operations. Magic was the one who brought LeBron James to Los Angeles in 2018, but his tenure with the team ended one year later when he stepped down.
It’s been three years since that moment and Magic remains close with the Lakers’ management, especially Jeanie Buss. While talking about the point guard with The Athletic, the Lakers’ owner explained that she and Magic had a good relationship and she takes his opinion very seriously when it comes to the team.
But as arguably the greatest living Lakers player, Johnson remains a deeply influential presence around the team.
“To me, he’s still working with us,” Buss said. “In terms of an official capacity, in the NBA, you have to be very clear as to who can negotiate on your behalf and who can’t. So he doesn’t have that official designation. But in terms of his support, his wisdom, his insight, I freely call on him as needed.”
When the Lakers were struggling in early December, injuries derailing what was supposed to have the potential to be a championship season behind James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, she consulted Johnson about the direction of the team.
“I just sat down with him,” Buss told The Athletic, “and I said, ‘Should I be concerned? What are you seeing?’ And he just talked about, you know, the injuries and that the team hadn’t had a chance to be together. … So, you know, he’s very calm and insightful. And it, you know, I appreciate his seeing the big picture instead of reacting to every game.”
Magic is a well-respected game around the league. The 5x NBA champion earned his stripes thanks to his incredible performances and everything he did for the Lakers. There’s no doubt that he’s a legend of the game and the Lakers will always treasure their time together. Buss is well aware of that and Magic’s opinion is incredibly important for her.
