Magic wants Kobe in the Lakers front office with him

Magic Johnson, who was hired earlier this month as an adviser to Los Angeles Lakers president and co-owner Jeanie Buss as she evaluates the direction of the franchise, said Tuesday that he would try to get Kobe Bryant to join him in the front office if Johnson's role evolves further.

"First call I make if I'm in charge? Kobe Bryant," Johnson said on ESPN's First Take. "Because Kobe understands winning. He understands, also, these players. I would call: 'What role you want? ... If you've got a day, just give me that day.'

"I'll take that. Whatever time he has, I want him to come and be a part of it."

Guess anything's worth a try. Thing is, we've seen time and time again that being a great player doesn't always translate to coaching or management. Michael Jordan obviously has a resume that's as impressive as anyone else's, but he made some questionable moves, to say the least. Isiah Thomas is a two-time champion with some big performances to his name, but his front office career speaks for itself. When it comes to the upper echelon of all-time great players, Larry Bird has probably had the most success in other roles, but not all of his decisions have been winners.

When I heard this, I was like, Johnson=Good Cop, Bryant=Bad Cop. Simple as that.

We're gonna get the best people in there. Winners. Kobe's a winner. We're gonna make the best deals. The Lakers are gonna start winning again. The Kings are laughing at us!

We're gonna get the best people in there. Winners. Kobe's a winner. We're gonna make the best deals. The Lakers are gonna start winning again. The Kings are laughing at us!

I guess that means Mitch Kupchak is going to be told "You're fired".