Magic Says Lakers Rebuild Will "Take Some Time"; Meeting Planned With Kupchak, Buss

New Lakers Advisor Magic Johnson yesterday said it is "going to take some time" to turn the team around. Johnson, appearing on "CBS This Morning," said, "It's going to take three to five years to get them back rolling again. But if we're patient, if we develop our own players. ... You have to really develop your own player because free agent movement is not like it used to be and so you have to really make sure you hit a home run when you do draft and then try to keep the players that you have on your roster.” Johnson said Lakers President Jeanie Buss brought him on to work on the "business side as well as the business side." Johnson said he will be involved in “recruitment” of players, but "no coaching.” Johnson: "I love working side by side with Jeanie." Asked about his thought process behind joining a team, Johnson said, "The only team and franchise I would ever go to is the Lakers. ... I've had four offers to run teams, to be owners of teams. As a matter of fact, I had an opportunity to run the Knicks but I turned everybody down. At this point in my life I think that I can do it right now because my businesses are running smooth. I can turn them over to my executive team that I have" ("CBS This Morning," 2/13).

MEETING OF THE MINDS: ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reported Johnson next Monday will meet with Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and Exec VP/Basketball Operations Jim Buss to "discuss the construction of the current team and the team's strategy heading into the Feb. 23 trade deadline." Johnson: "Everybody has to be on the same page right now" (ESPN.com, 2/14). In L.A., Mike DiGiovanna notes Johnson, who has "criticized some of Jim Buss’ coaching hires and free-agent signings, has sent mixed signals about his ultimate role." Initially upon his hiring Feb. 2, Johnson said Jim Buss would be "calling the shots," but on Friday, Johnson said he is “working to call the shots” (L.A. TIMES, 2/14). Johnson this morning said of possibly having complete control over basketball operations, "Yes, I do want it." Asked if Monday's meeting is about him needing to be the voice of the Lakers, Johnson said, "I will put that (on) the table, yes. So I don't know what's going to happen after that" ("First Take," ESPN, 2/14).