Jim Buss has received a lot of criticism for his role in the basketball department of the Los Angeles Lakers, but Mitch Kupchak insists he remains as involved as ever.
“Unfortunately, Jim does get a lot of criticism. But no decision is made here without me,” Kupchak says. “If something doesn’t go right, I should be criticized as much as Jim. We are judged, by and large, by our success on the court, and that has to do with the draft, trades, and free agency, and Jim and I decide who we draft, who we trade, and who we pursue in free agency. In terms of talent on the court, by and large that falls with me, and I work very closely with Jim. But Jim trusts my instincts. Sometimes they are good and sometimes they are not good.”
Kupchak served for many years as Jerry West's apprentice before becoming general manager.