“We wait until the season is over. There is nothing I can tell you right now.” With only one game left in the season, the Los Angeles Sparks would rather forget, Magic Johnson, one of the team’s owners, spoke cautiously about the future. The Sparks wrapped up the season with a disappointing 8-32 record, one of the worst in franchise history. In light of their struggles, the team has decided to part ways with head coach Curt Miller, signaling a significant shift in strategy. However, the frustration among fans is palpable, especially directed at Johnson and the club’s ownership, as they await further action and accountability from the top.

Curt Miller took the reins as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in 2023, leading the team for two seasons. Last year, he came heartbreakingly close to securing a playoff spot, finishing with a 17-23 record. Just yesterday, the Sparks officially announced Miller’s departure in a statement from Eric Holoman, the team’s governing and managing partner.

“On behalf of our ownership group and franchise, I would like to thank Coach Miller for his passion and commitment to the Sparks organization these past two seasons. We wish him well moving forward,” said Holoman’s statement. During his tenure with the Sparks, Miller faced significant challenges, ending his time with a disappointing overall record of 25-55. The team struggled to find its footing, especially with injuries taking a toll on the roster.

In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the Sparks, ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou took to her X account to share Magic Johnson’s comments, and highlighted the mindset of the team’s ownership. “Everyone should be mad at the Sparks. Our fans should be mad. This is not what we all would want,” Johnson expressed in those statements. But he didn’t stop there – being Sparks owner, Johnson also promised to step up his involvement in the organization, aiming to help the three-time WNBA champions reclaim their legacy.

While Johnson’s words appeared to reflect a genuine desire for change and accountability, they seemed to have backfired. Many fans are now voicing their distrust towards the billionaire owner.

Fans demand accountability as trust in Magic Johnson’s words wavers

Just moments after ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou highlighted Magic Johnson’s commitment to the Sparks, fellow sportscaster Chris Williamson decided to engage directly with fans about their thoughts on the team’s owner. He took to X, asking, “Do we trust Magic Johnson to fix things and genuinely support the Sparks with practice facilities and investments in these incredible ladies?” Well, fans have chosen to temper their expectations and express outright skepticism.

Being a Lakers legend who guided the Los Angeles franchise to five NBA championships, Johnson decided a co-owner of the Sparks in 2014 to lead their women’s team to success. While the team celebrated its third WNBA title in 2016, it’s been a challenging journey since, with the Sparks failing to reach the playoffs for four consecutive seasons. As Johnson’s ownership stretches into its second decade, one fan voiced skepticism, suggesting that if he truly wanted to make a positive impact, he would have done so by now.

“Nope: he has been an owner for a decade and could’ve set the precedent but instead he is playing catch up trying to save face now that the league is leaving the sparks in the dust.“

Another fan didn’t hold back their skepticism, responding with a GIF that simply read, “absolutely not” and acknowledged that while it would be great to see improvements within the Sparks, there needs to be tangible evidence or visible action to make those promises feel trustworthy.

“Would be nice, but I gotta see it to believe it.“

The Sparks have undergone significant changes in recent years, including the firing of team legend Penny Toler, who served as General Manager until 2019. Toler, a pivotal figure in the club’s history, not only led the Sparks to two championships during her playing days but also played a crucial role in assembling the team that clinched the title in 2016.

Now the decision to part ways with head coach Miller has also raised eyebrows, especially considering his impressive track record with the Connecticut Sun, where he built a playoff contender as the Sun reached the playoffs every year except the one Miller joined them in 2016. One fan pointed to Toler’s firing and Miller’s departure as evidence that real action needs to be taken, rather than just words.

“No because he hasn’t done it since he has had the team. They should have never fired Penny Toler 1st because she knows how to build a team correctly or let Curt Miller be the GM & head coach because most of the players wouldn’t have been on the team. He build the Sun team“

While many fans expressed skepticism about Johnson’s promises, one user took it a step further, suggesting an intriguing alternative—his own son, EJ Johnson, who is a TV personality and a socialite.

“No. But you know who would be able to help him do an amazing job at it? His son, EJ Johnson. And I’m so serious” 

It’s crucial to clarify that while Magic Johnson is a prominent figure in the ownership of the Sparks, he doesn’t hold sole ownership. Since 2014, the Sparks have been part of a larger ownership group known as Sparks LA Sports, which includes notable names like Mark Walter, Stan Kasten, Todd Boehly, Bobby Patton, and Eric Holoman alongside Johnson. One user even raised an interesting question, wondering whether Johnson truly plays an active role in the franchise or if he’s merely a figurehead.

 “does he play an active role in them or is he just the face?“

As the Sparks look to rebuild after a dismal season, fans remain wary of ownership’s promises. Trust will require tangible changes, not just words, if the team hopes to reclaim its former glory. Hopefully, Magic Johnson will rise to the occasion and take the lead in guiding the 3x WBA champions back to their former glory next season.