The Magic Is Gone: Johnson Out As Lakers’ President Of Basketball Operations

Magic Johnson has left his post with the team.

On the night Dwyane Wade is playing his final game in Miami for the Heat, the Lakers end up stealing the spotlight.

News just broke that Magic Johnson, the President of Basketball Operations, has stepped down from that position with the team.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1115780743484067840

Rumors are flying around this decision, with varying theories as to why.

Tania Ganguli on Twitter

Magic Johnson steps down as Lakers president. He hasn’t said it outright but is hinting strongly that he planned to fire Luke Walton and that won’t happen now. He is getting emotional and hasn’t told Jeanie yet he says.

Chris Haynes on Twitter

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.

Drew Shiller on Twitter

My gut feeling: Magic Johnson knows that none of the top-tier free agents (Durant, Kawhi, Klay, Kyrie, Butler, etc.) are gonna sign with the Lakers this summer so he’s walking away now…

Whatever his reason, one thing is for certain, and that’s that he is no longer part of the Lakers’ front office.

We’ll keep you updated as more is revealed.