Andy Nesbitt For The Win Published 6:55 AM EDT Apr 10, 2019 LOS ANGELES — It wasn't supposed to end like this. Not when LeBron James came on board last July. But here they were, the 2018-2019 Los Angeles Lakers ending their season with a meaningless home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. And there I was, sitting alone way up in section 307 with a $30 ticket I bought a few hours before the game just so I could go watch this brutal team close out a brutal season. I'm not a Lakers fan, so what in the world was I doing there? Call it morbid curiosity. I just wanted to see how listless of a night it could be for a franchise that once prided itself on being a contender but hasn't won a playoff game since 2012 against an Oklahoma City team that had Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in the starting five and a guy named James Harden coming off the bench. Yup, it's really been that long. This was supposed to be the year LeBron James brought them back to greatness. Or so … [Read more...] about Magic Johnson done as Lakers’ mess of season ends with mess of finale
Magic johnson
Magic Johnson quits as Lakers president, saying he wants to “go back to having fun”
Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations Tuesday night, citing his desire to return to the simpler life he enjoyed as a wealthy businessman and beloved former player before taking charge of this franchise just over two years ago. Johnson didn't tell owner Jeanie Buss or general manager Rob Pelinka about his shocking decision before he announced it in front of reporters about 90 minutes before the final game of the Lakers' sixth consecutive losing season. Los Angeles was 37-44 heading into its game against Portland, missing the playoffs yet again despite the offseason addition of LeBron James. "I want to go back to having fun," Johnson said before fighting off tears. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job. We're halfway there with LeBron coming (last summer). I think this summer, with that other star coming in, whoever is going to bring him in, I think this team is really going to be in position to contend … [Read more...] about Magic Johnson quits as Lakers president, saying he wants to “go back to having fun”
NBA: Magic Johnson steps down as LA Lakers president
Magic Johnson has announced his resignation as Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations at an impromptu news conference before the team's NBA regular-season finale against Portland. He said team owner Jeanie Buss had not been told of his decision in advance. Johnson, a Hall of Famer from his playing days with the Lakers, said he is resigning because he doesn't enjoy the job. Salt becomes NZ's first 'March Madness' champ Kiwi Marks steers Nets back to NBA playoffs "I was happier when I wasn't the president," the 59-year-old Johnson said. His announcement came on the heels of an ESPN report that he and coach Luke Walton have not spoken for weeks. Walton's future is in jeopardy after he failed to lead the Lakers to the post- season in the first season with LeBron James on the team. The Lakers entered Wednesday's (NZ time) clash with the Trail Blazers with a 37-44 record. Walton, 39, is set to wrap up his third consecutive sub-.500 season with Los Angeles, with a career … [Read more...] about NBA: Magic Johnson steps down as LA Lakers president
Magic Johnson suddenly steps down as Lakers president
Jeff Zillgitt USA TODAY Published 9:34 PM EDT Apr 9, 2019 Unexpectedly, Magic Johnson has stepped down as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson made the announcement Tuesday before the start of the Lakers-Portland Trail Blazers game at Staples Center. Johnson told reporters he made the decision because of his relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “I want to always preserve our relationship with her,” he said, “and I think I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and ambassador.” Johnson also said he had not yet told Buss of his decision. “Somebody’s going to have to tell my boss because I knew I couldn’t be face-to-face and tell her,” Johnson told reporters. The surprising announcement comes at the tail end of a disappointing and frustrating season for the Lakers. They signed LeBron James in the offseason, but a flawed roster combined with injuries, including one to James, … [Read more...] about Magic Johnson suddenly steps down as Lakers president
Magic Johnson Resigns as Los Angeles Lakers President (VIDEO)
"Today, I'm gonna step down as the president", Johnson told reporters at an impromptu press conference, cited by AFP. "I was happier when I wasn't the president [of the Lakers]", Johnson stressed. Magic Johnson has announced he is stepping down as Lakers' President of Basketball Operations. pic.twitter.com/a5Sk3rJMQh — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) 10 апреля 2019 г. READ MORE: Fans Abuzz as NBA Legend LeBron James Exits Game With Groin Injury (VIDEO) The news comes after a disappointing season for Lakers fans which saw the once-mighty NBA club fail to reach the playoffs for a sixth straight season. © REUTERS / Ken BlazeTwitter on Fire as LeBron James Joins Lakers on $153.3 Million DealHowever, Magic Johnson, 59, had reportedly played a key role in luring the biggest league's star free agent of all — LeBron James to the Lakers last year. Johnson's … [Read more...] about Magic Johnson Resigns as Los Angeles Lakers President (VIDEO)