Magic Johnson has some advice for Lakers owner Jim Buss: Get help.
Following the Dodgers’ introductory news conference for manager Dave Roberts, Johnson offered some owner-to-owner wisdom in hopes of restoring Lakers glory.
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"You've got to get somebody to help [Buss] out,” Johnson said, via the Los Angeles Times. "Just play your role. There's nothing wrong with being a great owner.
"Just like me — I didn't try to get involved in this [hiring] process, because I don't know anything about the manager [Roberts]. That's not what I know, so I stay out of the way. I want to sit down there and cheer for my Dodgers. I'm happy with that. That is what I want him to do. Just let somebody else help him to achieve his goal, which is to get the Lakers back to being great again.”
Both Johnson and Buss are part owners in each of their respective franchises. Johnson is also a vice president in the Lakers organization but is not paid by the team, according to the Times.
Johnson added there's no personal animosity toward Buss, only skepticism over the direction of the franchise.
"I'm going to say it again: I love Jim Buss. He should just be the owner, like his dad was just the owner," Johnson said. "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."
With Kobe Bryant retiring after this season, it’s certain there will be plenty of change in the Lakers’ future.