The Los Angeles Lakers have appointed five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson as their new President of Basketball Operations.
Johnson replaces General Manager Mitch Kupchak who was "relieved of his duties" on Tuesday evening. Also leaving is Jim Buss, who will no longer be Executive Vice-President of Basketball Operations.
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
The move comes after Johnson was appointed into an advisory role earlier this month.
"It's a dream come true to return to the Lakers as President of Basketball Operations working closely with Jeanie Buss and the Buss family," Johnson said of the appointment.
"Since 1979, I've been a part of the Laker Nation and I'm passionate about this organization. I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court. We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions."
The Lakers currently boast a 19-39 record, making little progress on last season's 17-65 run which saw them finish bottom of the Western Conference.
