Magic Johnson has only been back with the Los Angeles Lakers in an advisory role for less than a week, but he’s been making the most of his time by reaching out to key figures within the organization.
Along with speaking with D’Angelo Russell, Mitch Kupchak, and Jim Buss, Johnson has also reached out to head coach Luke Walton. Magic took to Twitter on Monday to say he’s reached out to and spoken with Walton:
It was really good speaking with Coach Luke Walton today about strategy, players and goals that we both have for the @Lakers organization!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 6, 2017
Although it is still uncertain as to what Magic’s role with the team will be on a day-to-day basis, the five-time NBA champion is making his presence felt within the organization. Johnson, as promised, has spoken with those intended to and it appears there will be many more discussions down the road as he attempts help the franchise turns things around.
Only time will tell what Magic’s impact on the team will be. There’s no telling whether Johnson’s input and guidance are the missing pieces in the Lakers’ rebuilding efforts, but at this point, he’s keeping his word while remaining active as an advisor to team president Jeanie Buss.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching on Feb. 23, it’ll be interesting to see whether Magic assists in any moves the team could making in the coming weeks. Veteran point guard Jose Calderon has been the only player on the squad recently mentioned in a trade rumor with the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly interested in acquiring the 35-year-old.
All signs have pointed to the Lakers keeping the current roster intact with no major moves being discussed, but with about two and half weeks to go that stance could change.
