Magic Johnson is stepping down as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations.
Johnson hasn't informed Lakers owner Jeanie Buss yet, although she'll probably find out soon.
Magic Johnson has stepped down from President of Basketball Ops of the Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2019
The Lakers are missing the playoffs this season, the first year of the LeBron James era.
Johnson said he couldn't be himself while being the president of basketball operations for the Lakers. Magic said he was happier when he wasn't in this job.
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
Johnson and Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka did a poor job of constructing a proper roster around LeBron. After the four-time MVP signed with the Lakers last summer, Johnson and Pelinka signed Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and Michael Beasley — three players who didn't fit well next to LeBron.
Magic is one of the best players in NBA history, but it's clear he just wasn't fit for this position. It's going to be very interesting to see where the Purple and Gold go from here. Head coach Luke Walton's job status is up in the air as well.
It will be fascinating to see what LeBron's reaction to this news is as well. One of the reasons The King joined LA was because he wanted to help Magic turn the franchise around.
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