Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson endorses Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for a second term, using a video shared by Bass on X. In the endorsement, Johnson says he has known Bass for decades and highlights her record on homelessness and public safety, including efforts to address violent crime. Multiple outlets report that the endorsement is politically consequential in a mayoral race involving other candidates.
Fox News reports that Johnson faces criticism and ridicule from some observers, including because he is based in Beverly Hills rather than living within Los Angeles city limits. Other coverage focuses more on the substance of Johnson’s support and Bass’s decision to publicize it.
In addition, Fox News says Johnson is breaking with former Lakers-related ties, noting that Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss is reported to be backing another candidate, Spencer Pratt. Across sources, the central points are Johnson’s public endorsement of Bass, the mayor’s promotion of the video, and the backlash tied to where Johnson lives.
