Lakers Front Office Shakeup - Magic In, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak Out

Dear: Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak

The headline is quite a buzz as the All Star break and trade deadline wind down around the league. Teams are making moves at the last minute, but the Lakers are making moves from within. Laker legend, Magic Johnson, who was hired to be the Lakers' front office adviser not too long ago, goes up the ranks to become President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers. In addition, Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak are relieved of their duties as both Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager respectively.

Laker Nation, this change was long, LONG overdue. Well, we can assume that ever since Magic came back to the Lakers Front Office, the writing was on the wall for "Little Jimmy." If you haven't seen most of Magic's interviews about the tumultous state of the Lakers, he hated Jim Buss' guts. He questioned every move that Jim was making that helped turned the Lakers from the greatness to a comedy of errors. And we share those same sentiments. Jim Buss was a nutcase among the Laker brass. Nothing more to be said with all the bad decisions he made the last few seasons. As for Mitch Kupchak's firing, this is going to be debatable from here on out. Yes, he made the trade for Pau Gasol to put the Lakers back into title contention. Yes, he signed Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace) during that period as well. But, history shows that Mitch had more misses than hits and in recent years, he's been nothing more of a puppet to Jim Buss. Even though they did provide a blueprint in D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and others, it was just time for a change. However keep in mind, this doesn't necessarily change the current state of the Lakers. As a Raider fan when Al Davis passed, we expected to win right away since the madness of overpaying and drafting mediocre talent were over. That took time and look where the Raiders are now. The Lakers will undergo that same process. It's a wait-and-see on what Magic can do. Yes, he was the face of the Lakers. He was the epitome of Showtime. But, he's in a different game now that he is pulling the strings for the time being. They are looking for a new GM according to the report, so stay tuned for the news. But, if there's any indication on this shakeup, this is Jeanie Buss' team now. The Jeanie Buss era for the Lakers begins with this organizational change. Final note, R.I.P. Dr. Jerry Buss. It was his death anniversary three days ago during the All Star Weekend. Jim failed his father big time. Now it's Jeanie's turn to take the reins in making the Lakers great again (last Donald Trump reference, I promise).