Laker Rumors: Time for a front-office shake up

The latest Lakers rumors address the idea of shaking up the front office.

Do the Los Angeles Lakers need a front office overhaul? I think they do.

The Lakers haven’t had a winning season since 2012-13 when they barely squeaked one out with a 43-37 record. With the current Buss family drama, there seems to be a lack in confidence in management. I say it’s time for a change.

It feels like the “beginning of the end” for Team President Jim Buss, who has been calling the shots in the front office since his father, Jerry Buss, passed away in 2013.

But Jim signed his own exit orders back in January of 2014 when he pledged to his siblings and the fans of Los Angeles that he would step down if the Lakers “were not contending for the Western Conference championship in three to four years”.

Well, it’s been 4 years and the Lakers are poised to have another losing season. And while Jim and GM Mitch Kupchak have a lot to be proud of, there are too many decisions made during their tenure that I question: the treatment of Brain Shaw, the obsession with Andrew Bynum, and the hirings of Mike Brown and Mike D’Antoni, to name a few.

And because Jim Buss and Kupchak are seemingly joined at the hip, it’s time for them both to go.

So, what would my front office look like?

First I would hire former Laker player, coach, and GM, Jerry West.

I don’t care that he’s 78 years old and just getting out of the hospital after a fall. West, whose contract with the Golden State Warriors expires in July, seems to be the kind of guy who likes a challenge, and that is certainly what he’d be getting if he returned to his beloved Lakers.

As a consultant for the Warriors, West’s job is done. The challenge is over. The team is predicted to win another championship this year.

But I don’t want West as a consultant. I want him as General Manager. And while Magic Johnson has expressed his desire to “call the shots” for the team in his new advisory role, his strengths lie in player development and relationships, not in business.

As reported by Josh Peter at USA Today,  Johnson has been focusing on “learning about the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the salary cap, and other business-related items.”

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Well, West understands the whole enchilada — scouting, player development and business. I want an executive who can do it all.

Is that too much to ask?

Why would West want to join the Lakers? Because of his love for the purple and gold of course. And because his son, Ryan, is currently with the team as Director of Player Personnel. What a wonderful opportunity to groom your own son to take over for you! Enticing to say the least, and a great way to connect Lakers’ past glory with the future.

What about Johnson and former Laker Kobe Bryant? While Johnson’s  hire by Jeannie Buss is an advisory role only, he seems to be angling for more.

My front office would include both of these Lakers legends as consultants. They both bring invaluable experience and love for the Lakers. Johnson, with his strength in player development, and Bryant, with his unique work ethic and will-to-win mentality, would be a dynamic duo for this young roster.

My Lakers management “dream team”:

Jerry West: General Manager

Jim Buss: Team President (title only ~> no final word on decisions)

Ryan West: Head of Player Personnel (in line for GM position)

Magic Johnson: Consultant

Kobe Bryant: Consultant

Jeannie Buss: Co-Team President

Next: How Lakers Can Land AD & Russ

And let’s keep Coach Luke Walton around for a long while. He has brought an energy to the team that’s been missing.