After a tough week in La La Land, Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson was back in the public eye and TMZ Sports didn't take long to catch up with him and ask if governing-owner Jeanie Buss had taken him up on his offer to have the $500,000 tampering fine taken out of his own salary.
Johnson wouldn't clarify, but smilingly said “the Lakers are good,” as he made his way to the car. The paparazzi tried yet again, asking him about another 2018 free agent, LeBron James, but Johnson kept tight-lipped — a clear sign he had learned his lesson.
While the Showtime icon took the blame of this anti-tampering violation in his broad shoulders, it was actually his general manager, Rob Pelinka, who had made the infraction contacting Paul George's agent Aaron Mintz and expressing interest in the player.
Johnson and the Lakers were previously warned by the league after the former made a comment in jest during a guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show, noting he wouldn't say anything to George, but wink his way to let him know of his interest.
This $500,000 fine is the largest anti-tampering one in league history, serving as a general warning for teams who plan to use similar tactics to recruit free agents in the future.
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