Things are so desperate for the reeling Los Angeles Lakers even Magic Johnson is offering to come into the fold.
The Lakers legend tells InsideSoCal.com old he would be willing to recruit players to L.A. to play for the team and with a healthy Kobe Bryant come summer free agency.
"I love them," Johnson told InsideSoCal of the franchise he spent his entire NBA career playing for and won five titles with. "I'm going to support them. I asked Mitch Kupchak the other day if you want me to recruit this summer. People don't know that was my role with Dr. Buss for a while. I was the first to call Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, all these guys. That was my job, calling them and recruiting them."
The Lakers can surely use the help. With the 35-year-old Bryant sidelined for much of the season with various injuries, L.A. has struggled to a 17-32 start and last place standing in the Pacific Division.
"I love the franchise, but it hurts me," Johnson told InsideSoCal following another Lakers loss Tuesday night. "I watched game last night. I was going crazy. But I love them."
Officially, the NBA Hall of Famer remains an unpaid vice president with team, having sold his 4.5 percent ownership stake in 2010.
Johnson's latest declaration comes on the heels on his recent vow that he will no longer criticize the team or coach Mike D'Antoni for their poor play, or the franchise's decision to hire the much maligned D'Antoni over the legendary Phil Jackson.
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