Magic Johnson Steps Down as Lakers President of Basketball Operations
“I was happier when I wasn’t the president,” the sports legend said.
USA Today/Reuters
Basketball legend Magic Johnson announced he was stepping down as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers just before the teams last game of the season, the Los Angeles Times reports. Johnson reportedly said at a press conference that he hasn't yet told Jeanie Buss, the president of the Lakers, about his decision. “I was happier when I wasn’t the president,” Johnson said. “It’s hard when you love an organization like I love this organization... It’s hard when you love a person like I love Jeanie.” According to NBA.com, Johnson said the need to be “free” to interact with the Lakers players as he wished was a key part of his decision. The team was reportedly fined in the past for tampering after Johnson discussed “pending free agents” or talked about interactions with players under contract. “I want to be free and not have handcuffs on me,” he said. Johnson had reportedly held the position for just over two years in an effort to improve the teams performance to championship level.
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