Social media is buzzing over a perceived inconsistency in Magic Johnson’s recent endorsement of Karen Bass.
Last weekend, shortly after the Lakers icon shared a video urging Angelenos to cast their votes for Bass, who is running for a second term as mayor of Los Angeles, some sharp-eyed political figures quickly took to X to criticize the Hall of Fame player for his support of Bass, 72, for reasons that raised eyebrows.
Magic Johnson lives in Beverly Hills. BH is a separate city with its own mayor, so I doubt Beverly Hills residents will vote for LA mayor. https://t.co/5szd1GofZJ
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 11, 2026
Writer and filmmaker Justine Bateman pointed out, “We know Magic Johnson lives in Beverly Hills. I don’t think Beverly Hills residents will vote for LA mayor because BH is a separate city with its own mayor.”
Another user chimed in, suggesting, “Maybe Magic Johnson should rethink backing Karen Bass. He can’t even participate in the LA mayoral election from Beverly Hills… It’s an ignorant and risky endorsement by Magic.”
The third Twitter user, @beachgirlca, remarked, “Magic Johnson doesn’t even live in Los Angeles. He resides in Beverly Hills. Mayor Bass had to seek support from outside since no one in Los Angeles wanted to back her failure.”
Bass faces several opponents in her mayoral campaign, including reality TV personality and Palisades fire survivor Spencer Pratt.
Interestingly, during a recent debate, many watched and believed Pratt came out ahead.
Yet, despite this, Johnson, who was also backed by the likes of his former Lakers manager Jeanie Buss, expressed to his followers that Buss “should have a second term” because she is “doing a great job.”
Bass, who is in the running for Los Angeles mayor in 2022, acknowledged Johnson’s support on X, mentioning that he has been a “friend for over 30 years.” She added, “His belief that I would change Los Angeles means everything to me. Magic has invested in this city through various initiatives long before anyone needed to ask him. I’m honored to support him.”
