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Magic Johnson stunned the NBA world tonight when he announced that he was stepping down as Lakers president.
Magic Johnson has stepped down from President of Basketball Ops of the Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2019
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka visited with LeBron James and agent Rich Paul on Saturday, league sources tell ESPN. Johnson offered no indication that he was on the brink of bailing on the Lakers, sources said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2019
Magic conducted an impromptu press conference and revealed that he felt restrained in the job with the Lakers and just wanted to go out and mentor players.
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
"I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and the ambassador to everybody. I thought about Dwyane Wade…I can't even tweet it out."
Magic announces his decision to step down as President of Basketball Operations of the Lakers
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/baN0rCwV8s
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 10, 2019
Magic Johnson shocks – well, everyone – and announces he’s stepping down as president of the Lakers. Says he’s not yet spoken to Jeanie Buss to tell her. Says he’s sick of tampering rules, he’s tired of the “backstabbing” & says he didn’t want to disappoint Jeanie by firing Luke. pic.twitter.com/m50VKQmmDR
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 10, 2019
Spoke to Magic Johnson 1-on-1 after his shocking resignation and asked him if he owed it to Jeanie Buss to have called her personally to tell her he was leaving. We also talked about why he did it and how he feels now –
Will air on @SportsCenter tonight & then in full on #TheJump pic.twitter.com/ce0bXfhLQ4— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 10, 2019
Apparently Magic just wasn’t really too into having a day job.
Since taking over as president of the Lakers, Magic Johnson never fully committed to the job. Often he was traveling and away from the team. His office hours were limited. He didn't do a lot of scouting. Running an NBA team takes a tremendous commitment of time and energy.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2019
Update: Lakers owner Jeanie Buss reacted to the news of Magic’s resignation.
Earvin, I loved working side by side with you. You’ve brought us a long way. We will continue the journey. We love you 💜💛 https://t.co/ofmQl6BtBz
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) April 10, 2019