Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss showed nothing but love for Magic Johnson despite the Hall of Famer suddenly leaving his post as the team's president of basketball operations.
Before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Johnson called for an impromptu press conference and announced that he will be vacating his post. However, he admitted that he made the decision alone, with Buss and general manager Rob Pelinka left in the dark.
While fans and the media criticized Johnson for what they call as an unprofessional way of resigning, Buss showed that she respects Magic's decision. The Lakers owner also praised the 59-year-old NBA legend and said that she loved working with him.
Earvin, I loved working side by side with you. You’ve brought us a long way. We will continue the journey. We love you 💜💛 https://t.co/ofmQl6BtBz
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) April 10, 2019
Meanwhile, in their official statement about Magic Johnson's decision to step down, the Lakers cited that they will now “begin the process of moving forward.”
There is no greater Los Angeles Laker than Earvin Johnson. We are deeply grateful to Magic for all that he has done for our franchise – as a player, an ambassador and an executive.
We thank him for his work these past two years as our President of Basketball Operations and wish him, Cookie, Andre, EJ and Elisa all the best with their next steps. He will always be not only a Lakers icon, but our family.
The Purple and Gold are now facing plenty of uncertainties in the offseason. And sure enough, the public drama that Johnson's resignation caused won't help the team's free agency plans.
Jeanie Buss has plenty of decisions to make this summer, including what to do with Pelinka and head coach Luke Walton.
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