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Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson faced pushback after supporting Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Bass posted a video of Johnson’s support on his social media. Johnson said his 30-year friendship with Bass and her actions addressing homelessness and reducing homicide rates were part of the reason he supported her.
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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 was criticized for entering the Los Angeles mayoral race while living in Beverly Hills. The city is not one of the 114 districts allowed to vote in the Los Angeles mayoral race.
“She’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass needs to have a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said in the video. “Look, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and we appreciate all of your efforts and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city.”
Bass welcomed the endorsement.
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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 changing Los Angeles means everything to me,” Bass wrote on X.
“Magic poured his heart into this city long before anyone asked – through investment, through the community, by showing up. I am deeply honored to have his support.”
Johnson did not mention one of the sticking points that helped challenger Spencer Pratt gain support in the race: Bass’s handling of the 2025 wildfires that resulted in at least a dozen deaths and billions in damage.
Pratt continued to criticize 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. This is the maximum donation allowed by law.
Former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, left, is one of two leading challengers to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to lead the nation’s second-largest city. (Left (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images), Right (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images))
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The former “Hills” star was also spotted with Buss at a Lakers playoff game over the weekend.
