Has the magic returned to the Los Angeles Lakers?
With the drastic move to change the team's leadership, Lakers president and co-owner Jeanie Buss certainly hopes so.
On Tuesday, the Lakers named team legend Magic Johnson president of basketball operations while firing longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak and removing Jim Buss as executive vice president of basketball operations.
"I wouldn't be sitting here if it was a good situation," Johnson said Tuesday afternoon at the team's practice facility. "I understand what I'm up against, but I'm here, and I'm here for the long haul, and eventually we will turn it around."
The Hall of Famer is confident he can rebuild the Lakers into championship contenders.
But what do you think? Will Magic get the job done?
Vote now:
While Johnson has expressed optimism about turning around the franchise, it certainly won't be easy.
Not only are the Lakers coming off the worst season in franchise history (17-65), but they've also missed the playoffs three years in a row, the longest postseason drought in team history.
At 19-39 this season, the Lakers have the third-worst record in the NBA. They enter Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder having lost seven of their past 10 games.
--Isaac Chipps
