Over the past couple of months, Magic Johnson has been highly critical of Jim Buss and the Lakers organization. While Johnson recently said that he would avoid discussing his former team, the five-time champion tweeted about Phil Jackson on Wednesday.
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With Jackson likely headed to the New York Knicks, Magic mentioned that Kobe Bryant is the face of the Lakers’ team, but questions who the face of the organization is via Twitter:
Kobe Bryant is the face of the Lakers' team. Who is the face of the Lakers' organization?
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 12, 2014
With the way this season has gone and the Lakers looking to rebuild this summer, Magic believes Phil Jackson could fill that void:
I love Jim & Jeanie Buss, but we need Phil Jackson to be the face of our great organization, the Los Angeles Lakers.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 12, 2014
Since the passing of Dr. Jerry Buss, there have been question marks surrounding Jim Buss. While the Lakers have ample cap room this summer, there is uncertainty that Buss will be able to attract superstar free agents to Los Angeles like his father once demonstrated year in and year out.
Although Jackson is likely headed to New York by the end of this week, Kobe Bryant spoke about the situation on Wednesday. After passing Jackson up for the head coaching position last season, Bryant said “it would be hard for me to understand that happening twice.”
Despite all the injuries this season, it’s clear that the Lakers will need to make drastic changes this summer. While it’s unclear which direction the team will go, Bryant stressed that he doesn’t have the patience to wait another season and wants the team to go all in this summer. With Bryant signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract earlier this season, the Lakers shouldn’t waste those final two seasons in hopes of landing Kevin Love in 2015 or Kevin Durant in 2016.
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Kobe Bryant On Change THIS Summer, Jim and Jeanie Buss, Coaching Staff