NBA Rumors: Magic Johnson Still Tampering With The Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need all the help they can get moving forward and from anyone. That seems to include Earvin “Magic” Johnson who recently stepped down as the team’s president.

While speaking to TMZ Sports, Johnson said that his love for the Lakers is unquestionable. And while he no longer serves as the top dog for the franchise, the Laker great reveals that he is still heavily involved with the team and it was as if he still holds the job. In fact, he admits that he still talks with team owner Jeanie Buss about team business.

Also, Johnson set the records straight as far as his relationship with LeBron James is concerned. He remains confident that the three-time NBA champion is the chosen one to lead the purple and gold back on track.

“No, no, no, no. I love LeBron. LeBron is going to lead us to the championship, so we’re excited about what he’s going to do. Also, we’re excited that he signed. It’s all good with me and LeBron. And Maverick. And Rich Paul,” Johnson said.

Could this be the reason why the Lakers have not yet hired a replacement for Johnson as team president? Right now, the Lakers are busy looking for a new head coach to take over from Luke Walton and some are wondering why getting a new president was not the priority. The recent talks with Johnson may have somehow explained the reason behind all this, the Los Angeles Times reported.

With Johnson inadvertently still involved, this could mean that general manager Rob Pelinka may be doing more than his actual role. So far, he has been pretty active for the Lakers since there is no one else actually taking the lead as of this writing.

It is possible that Johnson stepped down to keep his sanity and help in a different capacity. The 59-year-old has had his share of the hot seat this NBA season, including tampering charges on players like Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. There was also that incident tied up to Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers although that episode was all sorted out.

With that said, Johnson is expected to remain active of the Lakers this coming summer. With no official ties (on paper) with the Lakers, Magic could be doing his own share of recruiting under the radar – avoiding unwanted heat he garnered when he was still Lakers team president.