Magic Johnson shockingly announced his resignation as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations in a press conference yesterday.
Johnson cited several reasons for his exit, including how he couldn't interact with other players around the league while tied to his post with the Lakers front office. The Laker legend added that he no longer wanted to be handcuffed and desired to be “a free bird.”
A few months ago, there were reports that Philadelphia 76ers rising star Ben Simmons had reached out to the Hall of Fame point guard for a work out in the summer.
Magic, who had been involved in several accounts of tampering at that point, was careful of the situation and wanted to get consent from the league before proceeding with anything. But Sixers general manager Elton Brand reportedly told him “no” given Johnson and the Lakers' track record.
Now, Johnson's resignation opens that possibility of a workout with Ben Simmons in the summer, per Paul Hudrick of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Given the similarities of their games, Simmons reportedly wanted to learn more about the secrets and the ins-and-outs of playing as a big point guard.
Similar to how Magic used to run the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s, Simmons thrives in the open court and finding his teammates on the break. Moreover, he has extraordinary ballhandling and passing skills as a 6-foot-10 guard, just like Johnson was in his heyday.
Without a doubt, the 21-year-old Aussie has already become one of the best passers in the league. Learning more ways to go about his game from a legend like Magic will surely make him more dangerous in the future.
That, and of course, if he ever learns how to shoot.
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