Shockwaves were sent through the NBA and through the Lakers organization on Tuesday night as Magic Johnson abruptly announced his resignation as the Los Angeles president of basketball operations.
Johnson, who was appointed to his role in February of 2017, served as the shot-caller with a significant role in hiring decisions and in the team’s roster construction.
He was one of the main forces that attracted LeBron James to sign with the Lakers during the last offseason and built a young roster around James that he hoped to be able to contend for an NBA title.
Unfortunately for Johnson, things haven’t quite gone as planned for Los Angeles this season.
The Lakers found themselves eliminated from playoff contention in March and are limping to the finish line of this NBA season with a 37-45 record, far below expectations.
This, combined with Johnson’s desire to fire head coach Luke Walton, led to a huge amount of pressure for the former NBA superstar.
This reality, combined with his desire to return to his former role as an NBA Ambassador, led Johnson to make this surprise decision.
Now, with the franchise stunned and reeling, the Lakers will be forced to attempt to find a quality replacement for Johnson and pick up the pieces of a failed 2018-19 season.
