T.J. SIMERS

Jim Buss says Lakers fans shouldn't expect major moves

Buss knows there are calls from many, including Magic Johnson, to shake up the roster, but it's unlikely to happen. He says the chances of Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol opening the season with the team are 'very good.'

Lakers Executive Vice President Jim Buss isn't worried about the direction the team is heading in. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / May 31, 2011)

By T.J. Simers

June 19, 2012, 9:24 p.m.

TV analyst Magic Johnson has called out Lakers honcho Jim Buss, while also wondering in a tweet why Kobe Bryant isn't doing the same every day.

In online excerpts from an interview Phil Jackson did with HBO, Jackson is asked why Jim Buss has "chosen to almost disassemble so much of what you've built?"

And now the Lakers don't have a starting point guard on their roster, with Ramon Sessions opting out of his contract.

"Bring it on," says Buss, "where do you want to start?"

What are the chances of the Lakers starting the season with Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol all in Lakers uniforms?

"Very good," says Buss.

So you don't agree with those who say the Lakers must turn Gasol into two or three players via a trade?

"No," he says. "I think changes are going to be made moving Pau lower to the basket. We can improve that way with a change in coaching strategy rather than a change in personnel."

No moves?

"We will try to sign Sessions when the rules allow beginning in July," he says. "And improve the bench."

No major free-agent signings, no blockbuster trades?

"No," he says.

Smelling salts, please, for Magic.

Magic was looking right into the ESPN camera when he told a national audience: "Jim Buss, brother, you have a job to do. I'm telling you right now because if you don't do it, you're going to hear from me."

Buss laughs. "He's got my phone number."

To hear Magic talk, and this has to make Dodgers players nervous, he's ready to blow up the Lakers because they failed to advance.

"He sounds like a TV analyst to me," says Buss. "That's his job to give opinions. I don't have a problem with that, and like a good Lakers fan he just wants us to get better. So do I."

Magic remains listed as a Lakers vice president, but the team says he's not being paid for the honorary title. They therefore aren't fined when he suggests they trade for Josh Smith or Dwight Howard.

"I would think Magic knows better than anyone," says Buss, "when the Lakers lose the last game of the season, everyone here is going to do whatever they can to make improvements."

Comments (50)

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steviegjd at 1:19 PM June 20, 2012

While I believe (and hope) that Baby Buss is definately playing with his cards close to his vest, if he is not then the Lakers are doomed until Kobe's insane contract is over. And anyone who doesn't understand or appreciate Magic's Laker pedigree is either too young or too lacking in IQ points to matter.

schvab at 11:53 AM June 20, 2012

At least players can start planning their next April vacations early.

Chuckie P. at 11:16 AM June 20, 2012

Look if there is anything Daddy Buss taught sonny boy Buss is how to play poker. You think Jimbo Buss is going to show his cards before free agent signings.????.........The Lakers will never win shyt with the team that took the floor against Denver and OKC this past season. There will be trades and they will involve a Bynum or a Gasol and get this maybe even a Kobe...dont bash me no one thought they would trade Shaq on the downside of his career and Kobe is showing signs of it. Dont think the Lakers are going to stand pat I dont care what Kobe is saying that they are good enough to compete. There will be a big move but it is not a going to be made public just yet. Jerry Buss will play the last River card til the end then make the move that could bring Dwight Howard here to L.A........... ANYTHING LESS, with not a single trade or move on the Lakers part and Jim Buss becomes Frank MaCourt, and the Lakers become the dump of L.A. Sports franchises and you know that's not going to happen.