Magic Johnson steps down as president of the Los Angeles Lakers!  

 After 2 years of being the President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson pursues ‘freedom’ by stepping down as president. He described to the media the pressure he felt and the conditions it took on building a title contention team. “I knew if I stayed in that role, I’m giving a lot of me,” said Johnson. Magic Johnson did just the right thing because that job was too much to handle. He decided to follow his happiness and leave the stressing opened for the next president of basketball operations. However, many would argue that Johnson gave up too easy and didn’t keep his word about making the Lakers a title contention team. Johnson’s decision however was based on more than business and basketball and was the right decision.  

Magic Johnson’s unhappiness showed due to his lack of work accomplished. As a top front office executive, Johnson wasn’t fulfilling his duties as president of basketball operations. According to Adrian Wojnarsowski of ESPN, “Since taking over as president of the Lakers, Magic Johnson never fully committed to his job. Often he was traveling and away from the team. His office hours were limited. He didn’t do a lot of scouting.” Based on the report from Wojnarsowski, it can be said that Johnson wasn’t ready for a job with that many responsibilities. That is why Johnson stepping down was a good decision. 

The former Laker and 5x NBA champion was also annoyed with the NBA sanctioning him for tampering when talking to or about players and other teams. “What I didn’t like is the backstabbing and the whispering. I don’t like a lot of things that went on that didn’t have to go on,” said Johnson on his announcement of stepping down to the press. The Los Angeles Lakers were recently fined $50,000 by the NBA after Johnson praised Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo.” I was happier when I wasn’t the president (of the Lakers)” said Johnson.  

Many teens and youth are very interactive with what goes on in the NBA. For many young Lakers fans, this will change their way of thinking on how the team can go about in the offseason. The powerful impact that Johnson’s departure creates will come in the offseason when trades, drafting and other business in the basketball community occurs. And for those Lakers fans, this offseason is going to be a ride.