Jim Buss has made some questionable calls as the head of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, why Jeanie Buss must take over
It’s evident that Jim Buss is in control of the Los Angeles Lakers organization as his younger sister Jeanie, is the President of the Lakers. Jim has made a few questionable moves since the passing of his father, the legendary Jerry Buss.
When Buss died in February last year, his children took control of the Lakers ownership. Jim Buss has dropped the ball on a few moves such as the Dwight Howard’s free agency as he walked away from the Lakers, which never happens! Buss didn’t do much to persuade him to stay, as all the Lakers did was make billboards asking Howard to stay instead of persuading him and spending time with the prized big man. Buss also was responsible for the signing of Steve Nash (3 years, $28 million), while he has played a total of 65 games in two seasons as a Laker.
The biggest move many feel Buss messed up on was in the hiring of Mike D’Antoni. Many feel that he chose D’Antoni in personal manner as there is speculation that he has conflict with Phil Jackson, Jeanie’s fiancé.
Buss’ moves have been so questionable that Magic Johnson even spoke on it to the LA Times:
“You’ve got to have someone helping Jim. He’s got to quit trying to prove a point to everybody that he can do it on his own, get his ego out of it, and just say, ‘Let me get someone beside me to help achieve the goals I want.”
Jeanie must overtake her older brother before it gets out of hand as it seems that his “ego” is affecting his decisions.
The first reason is that if Jeanie takes over, free agents will be inclined with the Lakers as she is more charming and seems to have a more effective method in relating with the players.
Secondly, Jeanie has an excellent relationship with superstar Kobe Bryant as she was on board to signing him to the 2-year $48.5 million contract. She will do everything in her power to land players to get the Lakers to compete at a championship level right away as Bryant’s time is running out. The word “rebuild” might not be in play at least for Bryant’s last two seasons.
Buss feels as if he doesn’t succeed quickly he has failed. The last thing an organization needs is someone who feels that it’s now or never. If Buss thinks this way, not only will his ego affect him, but his mentality that he is running out of time will as well.
Jeanie must become the head of basketball operations for the Lakers as she will bring a different approach and who knows maybe Jackson will return and be part of the Lakers organization.
After all she might already be headed in that direction as she stated on ESPNLA 710 Radio, “I’m the boss,” “I am responsible ultimately for anything with the team and decisions that are made.”
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