Los Angeles has a fierce mayoral race on its hands, and now a basketball icon is picking sides. Lakers legend Magic Johnson officially announced his endorsement for incumbent Mayor Karen Bass this weekend, shaking up an already heated contest that includes former reality TV star Spencer Pratt.
Johnson, who won five NBA championships with the purple and gold and is also a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, didn't hold back in his support. He pointed to a three-decade friendship with Bass and praised her leadership on two of the city's biggest challenges: homelessness and public safety.
“She’s doing a tremendous job. Mayor Bass has to have a second term and I’m excited to say that,” Johnson said. “Listen, you took on a tough job here and you’ve done a fabulous job and all of us appreciate your effort and what you’re doing and we look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store – your vision for the city.”
The endorsement comes as Bass faces scrutiny over her handling of the devastating January 2025 wildfires that destroyed homes across Southern California, including properties owned by several prominent athletes. Pratt, who gained fame on MTV's "The Hills," lost much of his home in the fires and has made disaster response a central plank of his campaign.
Johnson notably sidestepped any mention of the wildfire response in his remarks, focusing instead on Bass's record on reducing homicides and tackling homelessness. His backing carries significant weight in a city where sports figures often command broad public trust.
The race has also drawn interest from former NFL star Marcellus Wiley, who earlier this year floated a potential run for mayor. Wiley, a Compton native and former defensive end for the Chargers and Cowboys, said he wants to make a difference but won't play party politics.
“I want to be the mayor of L.A. and see how that goes,” Wiley said. “I’m trying to stay still and raise these kids, but at the same time, help make an imprint on our city to bring us closer together.”
Wiley dismissed the idea of running as an independent, calling it a "cop out." He explained his political philosophy by referencing his upbringing: “If I didn’t gang bang, if I didn’t choose Blood, you think I’m picking Democrat or Republican? I’m not loyal like that. I’m not a group. I am me.”
With Johnson's endorsement now in the mix, the LA mayoral race is getting even more attention. It's a reminder that in this town, the worlds of sports and politics are never far apart.
