3. The end of the Mitch Kupchak/Jim Buss era
I would like to take a moment to ask all Lakers fans around the world to take a moment of silence to reflect on the exciting departure of Luol Deng.
All jokes aside, a few days ago something wonderful happened. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka finally got rid of the last remnants of the Mitch and Jim era as the Lakers and Luol Deng have finally come to terms on a buyout.
Now granted, some of the money he was owed will still be on the books as dead salary, but Deng agreed to give back $7.5 million. That is enough to give the Lakers adequate cap space next summer to go after another max free agent.
It is an excellent time to be a Lakers fan and as much as we give credit to Magic and Rob for making things happen, I also believe that Jeanie Buss deserves just as much credit as they do.
If she hadn’t gathered the courage to fire Mitch and Jim, the Lakers would not be where they are today.
I’m extremely happy that Jeanie made the move that she did and I’m sure if Jerry Buss were still alive, he would more than approve of the current state of Laker Nation.