Magic Johnson announces he will step down as Los Angeles Lakers' President of Basketball Operations

Benyam Kidane

Magic Johnson announces he will step down as Los Angeles Lakers' President of Basketball Operations image

Magic Johnson's run as President of Basketball Operations of the Los Angeles Lakers has come to an end, stepping down from his position today.


Johnson called an impromptu press conference ahead of the Lakers' final game of the regular season against the Portland Trail Blazers, announcing his decision.

"I think that with [Lakers owner Jeanie Buss] and I, I want to always preserve our relationship with her," Johnson said in a press conference, per The Athletic's Bill Oram. "And I think I had more fun when I was able to the be big brother and ambassador."

MORE: What's next for the Lakers?

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, nobody — including Buss — saw Johnson's announcement coming, with the five-time champion telling reporters he wants to return to his role as an ambassador of the NBA - “I was happier when I wasn’t the president,” he said.

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"I'm good with where I am," a relieved Johnson added. "I'm happy. I want to do the things I used to do. I had to weigh both situations and this is better for me."

Johnson took on the position in February 2017, working alongside General Manager Rob Pelinka. While the Lakers were able to land the signature of LeBron James in free agency the following summer, the 2018-19 season fell flat as the Lakers missed the playoffs for the sixth-straight year.

 

 

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.