The Lakers’ struggles this season have been well documented. The Lakers on track for their worst year in franchise history, and as a result, face an important off-season this summer.
Over the last week, Lakers president Jeanie Buss made various public appearances including interviews with TWC SportsNet and 710 ESPN Radio. These came off the heels of Phil Jackson joining the New York to serve as team president.
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New NBA Commissioner appears to have played a part in Jeanie becoming more vocal, according to BleacherReport’s Kevin Ding.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, his own gavel shiny and new in hand, dined with Buss in Los Angeles Monday night and gave her a pointed message, according to NBA sources:
The power is hers to use, and those in the league office want and trust her to be more aggressive with it in leading the Los Angeles Lakers.
The timing of Jeanie’s interviews couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. The Lakers seem to be in disarray, with many questioning the ability of the Lakers’ front office.
Former Laker and current Los Angeles Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson has made his opinions no secret, and recently urged the Lakers to take a look at Jackson before he went to the Knicks. Johnson also appeared on the Dan Patrick show and expressed his frustration with other former Lakers being involved with other franchises.
Most of the public perception around the Lakers front office is that Jim Buss calls the shots for personnel moves, and he is commonly seen as the scapegoat when things go downhill like things have this season.
During her interviews, Jeanie emphasized that she lies at the top of the Lakers decision making. While Jim and Mitch Kupchak are in charge of the basketball operations, they report directly to Jeanie.
These declarations seem to be the aggressiveness that Silver had pushed Jeanie to show. As the Lakers enter the off-season, there will be crucial decisions to be made. Jim and Mitch will do what they can to turn the Lakers around, but under the watchful eye of Jeanie.
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