MAGIC JOHNSON is hoping to quickly expand his role with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he already knows what his first order of business would be if the team gave him more power.

    Trying to hire Kobe Bryant.

    In an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday, Johnson said he would allow Bryant to choose his position with the Lakers.

    “First call I make if I’m in charge? Kobe Bryant,” Johnson said. “Because Kobe understands winning. He understands, also, these players. So I would call, ‘What role you want? If you’ve got a day, just give me that day.’”

    Kobe recently said he would love to help the Lakers in a behind-the-scenes role, and it’s possible he may have discussed something like that with Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss when he met with her recently.

    Johnson was just hired himself, so he probably doesn’t have the power to make other major hires — at least yet.

    Johnson has already been very clear about the fact that he wants to take Lakers president of basketball operations Jim Buss’ job. (SD-Agencies)