NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson faced a setback after endorsing Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Bass posted a video of Johnson’s endorsement on his social media. Johnson said his 30-year friendship with Bass and her actions on homelessness and reducing homicide rates were part of the reasons he endorsed her.
ZERO BS. ONLY DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Magic Johnson attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on October 19, 2017. (Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
However, the former Los Angeles Lakers star faced criticism for intervening in the Los Angeles mayoral race while living in Beverly Hills. The city is not one of the 114 neighborhoods that can cast votes in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
“He’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass needs to get a second term and I’m excited to say it,” Johnson said in the video. “Listen, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and we all appreciate your efforts and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things you have in store – your vision for the city.”
Bass appreciated the support.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Los Angeles Lakers guard Magic Johnson is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Joe Dumars during the 1988 NBA Finals at the Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan. (MPS/USA TODAY Sports)
“Magic Johnson has been my friend for over 30 years. His belief in how I am changing Los Angeles means the world to me,” Bass wrote in X.
“Magic has poured its heart into this city long before anyone asked it: through investment, through community, through presence. I am deeply honored to have its support.”
Johnson did not mention one of the sticking points that has allowed his challenger Spencer Pratt to gain support in the race: Bass’s handling of the 2025 wildfires that caused at least a dozen deaths and billions in damage.
Pratt has continued to harass Bass over his response to the wildfires.
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss appeared to show her support for Pratt last month when she donated $1,800 to his mayoral campaign, according to FOX 11 in Los Angeles. It is the maximum donation allowed by law.
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, left, is one of two main rivals facing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to lead the country’s second-largest city. (Left (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images), Right (Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images))
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
The former “Hills” star was also seen with Buss at a Lakers playoff game over the weekend.
