Magic Johnson Abruptly Resigns As President Of Lakers
In a move that caught just about everyone off guard, including Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, Magic Johnson has stepped down as President of Basketball Operations. Magic held a press conference on Tuesday, prior to a game against the Blazers.
Johnson told reporters that he’s leaving this role with the Lakers because running the team isn’t as much fun as he would like. He also didn’t inform Buss of his decision.
Magic Johnson says he likes to be free to congratulate players such as Russell Westbrook when he hit the 20–20-20 mark. Says he couldn’t be himself and he hasn’t informed Jeanie Buss yet.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 10, 2019
The decision directly impacts current Lakers coach Luke Walton, who was sure to be fired after the season. But Buss has been a fan of Walton, and now it appears he is expected to be back next season.
Lakers coaching staff fully expected to be fired in hours after the final game of the season. They had believed they were gone for months. Now? Magic quits in public, saying he's too scared to tell Jeanie Buss face-to-face. What an embarrassing episode for a historic franchise.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2019
It’s safe to say nothing went according to plan for the Lakers this season.