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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson was named the President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team announced early on Tuesday.
"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," said Johnson.
Johnson was brought back to the Lakers as an ownership adviser to assist team executive Jeanie Buss in "all areas of basketball" three weeks ago, USA Today reported. Just two weeks ago, Johnson told USA Today Sports that he eventually wanted to "call the shots" within the organization.
"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 (being) NBA champions," Johnson said.
USA Today reported that Johnson would be in charge of all basketball operations and answer directly to Jeanie Buss, who is part-owner of the Lakers. Later, the organization will also announce a new general manager to work with Johnson and coach Luke Walton.
Two more actions were taken by the club on the same day. Mitch Kupchak was relieved of his duties as general manager and Jim Buss will no longer be the Lakers Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations. Enditem
