Lakers Fire GM Kupchak, Put Magic Johnson In Charge Of Basketball Ops
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LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Los Angeles Lakers have fired general manager Mitch Kupchak and put Magic Johnson in charge of basketball operations in a major shake-up of the struggling franchise's front office.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss also removed her brother, Jim, from his job as the Lakers' executive vice president of basketball operations Tuesday.
GM Mitch Kupchak has been relieved of his duties and Jim Buss will no longer be EVP of Basketball Operations. 2/2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 21, 2017
Jeanie Buss then promoted Johnson, the Hall of Fame point guard who returned to the franchise earlier this year in an executive role.
Johnson is the Lakers' new president of basketball operations, the team announced on Twitter.
#BREAKINGNEWS: The @Lakers have fired GM Mitch Kupchak and have named Magic Johnson as the President of Basketball Operations. pic.twitter.com/bmLY7Tfn6f
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) February 21, 2017
Mitch Kupchak has been the 16-time NBA champion franchise's GM since 2000, when Jerry West left the club.
The Lakers are mired in the worst four-year stretch in franchise history. They are 19-39 this season.
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