Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson threw his support behind Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday, endorsing her bid for a second term in the city's top office. In a video shared by Bass on X, Johnson cited their three-decade acquaintance and praised her efforts to combat homelessness, lower violent crime, and expand affordable housing.
Johnson, a Hall of Fame point guard who played for the Lakers from 1979 to 1991 and briefly returned in 1996, described Bass as doing a “tremendous job.” He stated, “Mayor Bass has to have a second term and I’m excited to say that.” The endorsement comes as Bass faces a competitive field in the nonpartisan mayoral primary, with early voting set for May 23 through June 1 and Election Day on June 2.
Bass’s tenure has seen measurable progress on key issues. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, unsheltered homelessness in the city dropped 7.9% in 2025 compared to the prior year, while sheltered homelessness rose 4.7%. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported in February that the homicide rate fell 19% from 2024 to 2025, reaching its lowest level since 1966.
In the video, Bass appeared alongside Johnson, hugging him and thanking him for the support. Johnson, a longtime Democrat who backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, told Bass, “All of us appreciate” her work at City Hall. He added, “We look forward to helping you continue your mission and the things that you have in store, your vision for the city and I’m on board.”
Bass, who took office in December 2022, faces several challengers, including Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, a democratic socialist, and reality TV personality Spencer Pratt, a Republican who has criticized Bass’s response to last year’s wildfires. The race has drawn national attention, with endorsements and donations reflecting the city’s political divisions.
Notably, Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss—whom Johnson has long called his “sister”—donated $1,800 to Pratt’s campaign last month, according to KTTV. Buss has not publicly endorsed the Republican candidate, but the contribution underscores the fractured loyalties within the Lakers organization.
A March poll by the University of California, Berkeley, and the Los Angeles Times showed Bass leading with 25% support, followed by Raman at 17% and Pratt at 14%, with about a quarter of voters undecided. If no candidate clears 50% in the primary, the top two finishers will advance to the November general election.
Johnson’s endorsement could provide a significant boost to Bass, leveraging his star power and political connections. The former NBA star has been active in Democratic politics, including endorsing candidates in other races, such as the crowded Michigan Senate primary where Senator Debbie Stabenow backed a candidate. Johnson’s backing may help Bass consolidate support among moderate and Black voters in a city where celebrity endorsements carry weight.
