LeBron reportedly met with Magic Saturday, and he showed no inclination quitting.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ f-season plans got a lot more complicated on Tuesday night. In addition to finding a LeBron-approved supporting cast, Jeanie Buss and the Lakers organization must now deal with the unexpected resignation Magic Johnson.
The Lakers’ President Basketball Operations held an impromptu press conference prior to the Lakers’ final regular season game on Tuesday, where he stepped down from his position. As it turns out, Magic didn’t inform anyone his decision – including his closest friends, Jeanie Buss or LeBron James.
According to a report by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski, LeBron and his agent had actually met with Magic on Saturday and he showed no indication that he was about to quit his job.
Per ESPN.com:
“League sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Johnson and general manager Rob] Pelinka visited with James and his agent, Rich Paul, on Saturday. Head coach Luke] Walton participated in exit meetings with players Wednesday, sources told Shelburne. Johnson fered no indication that he was on the brink leaving the team, sources said. Johnson said he did not tell James about his decision to leave before making his announcement, either.”
Shelburne reports that Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka will stay in his role, and could even see his power grow in the aftermath Magic’s announcement.
Despite the abrupt resignation, LeBron reportedly “stands behind” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and the organization. LaVar Ball, on the other hand, is still wondering who the hell is in charge over there.
The Lakers finished the year 37-45, which ranks 11th worst in the NBA this season. As it stands, they have a 2% chance landing Zion Williamson in the NBA Draft and a 9.4% chance climbing into the top 4.