There were only four candidates Jeanie Buss trusted to run the Los Angeles Lakers in moving on from Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss.

Jeanie Buss identified Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, Jerry West and Kobe Bryant as candidates.

West remained under contract with the Golden State Warriors, while Jackson became more settled with the New York Knicks and his romantic relationship with Buss ended in December.

Bryant is too fresh from his playing career and committed to business pursuits, but he did meet with Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis to offer his opinion on the state of the franchise in February. Bryant also advocated for Rob Pelinka who has been hired as general manager.

Johnson was like Buss' first choice anyways.