Lakers fire Kupchak, make Magic Johnson team president
The Los Angeles Lakers once again belong to Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
The team announced significant changes to its leadership structure Tuesday - most notably, Johnson will serve as president of basketball operations and report directly to co-owner Jeanie Buss.
As a result, longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak was relieved of his duties, while Jim Buss - brother of Jeanie - is no longer executive vice president of basketball operations.
Related: 3 things to know about Magic and Jeanie's power move
"Today I took a series of actions I believe will return the Lakers to the heights Dr. Jerry Buss demanded and our fans rightly expect," Jeanie said in a press release.
"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 next generation of Los Angeles Lakers greatness."
Johnson was announced as an advisor to Jeanie in early February. Jim apparently wasn't told a move was coming, and said he hoped to work alongside the Hall of Famer.
"I'm taking Magic at face value, that he's here to help," Jim told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. "He's one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Who wouldn't value his opinion? I'm excited to work with Magic for years to come."
However, after delivering unsatisfactory results over the last four years, Jeanie wrested the reins away from her brother and placed them in Johnson's hands, as she made clear Tuesday.
"I took these actions today to achieve one goal: Everyone associated with the Lakers will now be pulling in the same direction, the direction established by Earvin and myself," she said. "We are determined to get back to competing to win NBA championships again."
Johnson is thrilled to work alongside her and head coach Luke Walton as they attempt to restore the franchise to its former glory.
"It's a dream come true to return to the Lakers as president of basketball operations working closely with Jeanie Buss and the Buss family," said Johnson.
"Since 1979, I've been a part of the Laker Nation and I'm passionate about this organization. I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court. We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions."