Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss opens up about team’s future

“People see us around town, we have breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever … it’s not anything romantic,” Buss said. “He’s somebody that knows this environment and knows the challenges I have and wants to see the Lakers successful. So he’s somebody I know doesn’t have any other agenda than for the Lakers to be successful, so he’s somebody that I can lean on.”

Another Lakers legend that has long had an influence on the franchise is NBA great Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The Hall of Famer’s relationship with the team has been strained at times as he has held various roles, including as a coach and executive. However, Buss says her relationship with Johnson is as strong as ever and his opinion does hold weight as well.

“Bottom line, the Lakers are important to him and he wants the Lakers to win, and he wants the Lakers to be on top,” Buss told The Times about Johnson. “I know that’s in his heart, and I trust him, and … my relationship with him is as good as it’s ever been.”

Jeanie Buss on Lebron James and Klutch Sports: ‘Are they running the team? No, no, not at all’

However, there is also the team’s current superstar, Lebron James, and the power many in the industry feel he has within the organization. Buss admitted in her conversation that the four-time champion’s opinion matters, and that is only normal for such an important player on a team.

“It’s normal when you have a top player or players, you bounce things off of them,” Buss said. “I think that’s smart business.”

However, she also looked to clarify the opinion that James and his management team Klutch Sports have an even bigger say than a normal player and their entourage. 

“Are they running the team? No, no, not at all. I am controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers,” she said. “I’m held accountable for every decision that’s made here.”