Magic Johnson Steps Down As President Of Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers director of basketball operations Magic Johnson resigned, and he made an official announcement during a press conference on Tuesday.
“Today, I’m going to step down as president,” Johnson said. “I was happier when I wasn’t the president. Somebody’s gonna have to tell my boss.”
“Have you really not told Jeanie yet?” reporters asked.
“No, I haven’t. I couldn’t,” Magic responded. “She doesn’t know I’m standing here because I knew I would be crying like a baby in front of her.”
The team released a statement upon his resignation, thanking Johnson for everything he has done for the team.
“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. As we begin the process of moving forward, we will work in a measured and methodical fashion to make the right moves for the future of our organization.”
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss took to Twitter to deliver a special message.
“Earvin, I loved working side by side with you,” she wrote. “You’ve brought us a long way. We will continue the journey. We love you.”
Johnson’s decision wasn’t the right thing to be done, as reported by sports anchor Rob Parker.
“It’s a mess. Nobody … thought that the Lakers wouldn’t make the playoffs when LeBron James came here, even with the injury.”
Johnson made great predictions about the team. He said,”We’re halfway there with Lebron coming back. I think this team is going to be in position to really contend for championship with the growth of the young players.”
He doesn’t have any hard feelings for head coach Luke Walton.
“I like Luke a lot,” said Magic. “We have different opinions about different things – that’s OK.”
Who is stepping in Johnson’s position? Any familiar name?
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About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
