Back in 1979, Earvin “Magic” Johnson was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. After 13 seasons and five championships with the LA team, Johnson retired in 1991. One year later, he returned to play in the All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award, then retired once again for four more years. In 1996, Magic returned to the league, once again, to play 32 games with the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. Now, according to reports, Magic is back with the Lakers, this time as an adviser to the team’s owner, Jeanie Buss.
The three time MVP will reportedly support Buss “in all areas of basketball and business,” reports state.
“We are thrilled and honored to add Magic’s expertise and abilities, and I look forward to working alongside him,” Buss said.
In the wake of the Lakers fourth consecutive season during the longest playoff drought in franchise history, Johnson will report directly to Buss to try to be more an influence in the on-court product of the team, reports state.
“Everyone knowns my love for the Lakers,” Johnson said. “Over the years, I have considered other management opportunities, however my devotion to the game and Los Angeles make the Lakers my first and only choice. I will do everything in my power to help return the Lakers to their rightful place among the elite teams of the NBA.”
Under the first-year coach Luke Walton, the Lakers have made a few positive moves since struggling with the worst record in franchise history for three consecutive seasons, but they still hold the NBA’s third worst record at 17-34. With the help of the legend, it appears the franchise is ready to bring the Lakers back to the top.
“Magic Johnson is one of the NBA’s greatest players and it is terrific to see him returning to the Lakers,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He is a truly special person and a natural leader with a relentless passion for basketball and profound knowledge of the game.”
