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Jeannie Buss says Magic Johnson had a vital role in changing Lakers’ culture

Photo: Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

The Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeannie Buss credited Magic Jonhson for signing LeBron James and the culture change that came after.

During an appearance on the “Daddy Issues with Joe Buck and Oliver Hudson” podcast, Buss made clear that Magic played a vital role in the franchise change of direction in the last couple of seasons.

“To lose my dad, to lose Kobe and to have Magic leave his job as president – even though Magic and I still see each other and communicate – working with Magic every day was really such a pleasure for me. I really enjoyed it, and I was sad that it wasn’t something that was making him happy, having to work every day in a job that is a tough job.

(My dad, Kobe, Magic and David Stern) were all people that had such influence on me and that I could always count on to be there when I needed help, and I’ve lost a lot and it’s hard. But Magic got us to where we are today. He got LeBron James to say the Lakers are back, to believe in the organization, that we were going in the right direction, and I cannot thank Magic more for coming and helping me at the most difficult time in the professional, business side of the operation,” Buss said, per SB Nation.

The Lakers made a ton of progress during Johnson’s stint with several important moves that made the franchise a legit free agency destination again.

Although Buss is trying to credit Magic Johnson for the franchise success this season, the current front office under Rob Pelinka had also great influence completing the Anthony Davis trade and turning the Los Angeles Lakers to a title contender, after a seven-year hiatus from the postseason.

The full episode:

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