Mitch Kupchak recently signed an extension to remain general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, suggesting the working relationship with Jim Buss is strong.

Buss offers his analytical input while Kupchak runs the front office.

"It's unfortunate the way the organization, since Dr. (Jerry) Buss has passed, at times has been portrayed, because that's not the case at all," Kupchak said. "Everybody in there is working hard, responsible, showing up on time, staying late. We're all on the same page. Really, nothing's changed except the perception—which I understand.

"We lost an icon of an owner, and it's going to take some time for everybody to have that trust now that he's gone. But we'll earn it. I'm not worried about it."

The Lakers are in the lottery this season.

"You're basically judged on production, which is fair," Kupchak said. "Wins and losses. It's fair. Nobody really cares how well you work together, how organized the office is. When you're not winning, and an icon like Dr. Buss passes away, then they're going to say things must be amiss—which couldn't be further from the truth."