Magic Johnson publicly broke with his former Los Angeles Lakers employer, throwing his support behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the increasingly contentious Los Angeles mayoral race.
Bass circulated a video of Johnsons endorsement across her social media platforms, underscoring the political significance of the NBA legends backing. According to Fox News, Johnsons move came shortly after Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss appeared to align herself with challenger Spencer Pratt.
Johnson cited his long personal history with Bass and her record on public safety and homelessness as central to his decision. He pointed to their 30-year friendship and praised her work on homelessness and lowering the homicide rates as key reasons for his endorsement.
Shes doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass has to have a second term and Im excited to say that, Johnson said. He continued, Listen, you took on a tough job here and youve done a fabulous job and all of us appreciate your effort and what youre doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store your vision for the city.
Notably, Johnson avoided addressing one of Bass greatest political liabilities, her widely criticized handling of the 2025 wildfires that killed at least a dozen people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Pratt has repeatedly attacked Bass over that response, using the disaster to rally voters who feel City Hall failed them.
Buss, meanwhile, appeared to break ranks with Johnsons stance when she contributed $1,800 to Pratts campaign last month, the maximum amount permitted under city law, according to FOX 11 in Los Angeles. The former Hills reality star was also seen alongside Buss at a Lakers playoff game over the weekend, a high-profile appearance that further cemented his status as a serious challenger in a city where celebrity and politics often collide.
Login