Magic Johnson Comments on Jim Buss' Ability as Lakers Owner
Magic Johnson has never shied away from voicing his opinion about Los Angeles Lakers part-owner Jim Buss, and on Tuesday, the former Lakers legend once again offered critical comments regarding Buss' handling of the organization, per Mike Bresnahan and Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:
"I'm going to say it again: I love Jim Buss. He should just be the owner, like his dad was just the owner. Let's go back with facts, so I can back this up with facts: 27 wins a couple years ago, 21 wins last year. Three summers now, we haven't signed anybody. I am backing this up with facts. We haven't signed any superstar. We've had cap space. We had cap space last summer. We're going to have more this summer.
[...]
You've got to get somebody to help [Buss] out. Just play your role. There's nothing wrong with being a great owner.
"
Over the past year, Johnson has maintained a similar stance about what he feels are the Lakers' issues at the top.
In January 2014, the 12-time All-Star argued Buss should "quit trying to prove a point to everybody that he can do it on his own, get his ego out of it," using Jerry West as an example of the basketball mind Los Angeles needed, per Mike James of the Los Angeles Times. A few months later, Johnson identified Phil Jackson as another option:
Then, on a February 2015 segment of ESPN's First Take (via ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes), Johnson doubled down on Buss: "Jim is trying to do it himself and trying to prove to everybody that this was the right decision that [his] dad gave [him] the reins. He's not consulting anybody that can help him achieve his goals and dreams to win an NBA championship."
Johnson may not have to wait long for Buss to get out of the way. In July, Jeanie Buss gave an interview to 89.3 KPCC in Pasadena, California, revealing Jim would leave his post in the organization if the Lakers fail to make the playoffs within three years.
Los Angeles is already in year two of that timeline and a near-lock to miss out on the postseason. If Jeanie Buss and Jim Buss remain true to their words, next year could potentially be Jim's last in a position of power.
