LOS ANGELES (AP) — Magic Johnson is now running the basketball side of things for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Owner Jeanie Buss has named the former Laker great as the new president of basketball operations after firing general manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother Jim, who had been the Lakers' executive vice president of basketball operations.

The moves come just days before the NBA's trade deadline. The Lakers are in the midst of the worst four-year stretch in the team's history, including a 19-39 record this season.

Kupchak was the Lakers general manager since 2000. The team has started the search for a new GM.

First year coach Luke Walton got a vote of confidence from Buss.

Lakers ship leading scorer to Houston

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have swung their first deal of the Magic Johnson Era, agreeing to send Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a future draft pick. Brewer's agent Wallace Prather confirmed the terms of the trade.

Williams led the Lakers in scoring at 18.6 points per game, playing off the bench. Brewer was averaging 4.2 points for Houston.

Williams announced he was leaving Los Angeles on Twitter, saying "Thanx for the love L.A., I've enjoyed my stay."

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