NBA legend Magic Johnson breaks from his former Lakers boss to endorse Karen Bass in LA mayoral race

Magic Johnson endorses LA Mayor Bass amid rift with Lakers' Jeanie Buss

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson endorsed Mayor Karen Bass for re-election in the Los Angeles mayoral race on Monday, diverging from his former boss Jeanie Buss.

Bass shared a video of the endorsement on her social media. Johnson cited his 30-year friendship with Bass, along with her efforts on homelessness and declining homicide rates, as key reasons for his support. He praised her performance, stating she has done a "tremendous job" and deserves a second term.

Jeanie Buss, the Lakers' CEO and co-owner, donated the maximum allowed $1,800 to challenger Spencer Pratt's campaign last month, according to FOX 11 in Los Angeles. Buss and Pratt, a former reality television star, attended a Lakers playoff game together over the weekend.

Pratt has criticized Bass's handling of the 2025 wildfires, which caused at least a dozen deaths and billions in damage. An activist who lost her home in the Palisades fires, Samantha Ettus, has backed Pratt over Bass's management of homelessness and slow rebuilding efforts.