Magic Johnson leaves Lakers front office



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Johnson was in his second full season as the Lakers, who are 37-44 years old and will play in the playoffs.

The Lakers website says Johnson and managing director Rob Pelinka are responsible for all basketball decisions. This included firing and hiring coaches and signing contracts with players.

At an impromptu press conference, Johnson told shocked reporters, "I want to get back to the fun. I want to get back to who I am before taking this job," said the affiliate. from CNN, KTLA.

Johnson returned to the Lakers on February 2, 2017 to advise the owners on basketball and business. He did not waste time to say what his intentions were and he was appointed responsible for the weeks later.

Jeanie Buss, majority owner of the Lakers, announced the hiring by stating: "Together (Magic), Luke (Walton) and our new general manager will lay the groundwork for the new generation of greatness of the LA Lakers."

Walton is 98-147 as a Lakers coach, who has not played in the playoffs since 2013.

Johnson said on Tuesday that he was enjoying himself more as a mentor for the players, as a big brother figure. He said that he could not do that in his commercial role.

He seemed to imply that he should have fired Walton on Wednesday, and that pushed him to retire.

"Tomorrow, I should be influencing someone's livelihood and on his life," he said. "It's not fun for me, it's not who I am."

Johnson said his team was "halfway" from the progress he had promised, and that superstar LeBron James has joined the team this season. He added that another star would join the team this summer. "I think this team will really be able to fight for the championships with the growth of young players."
Hall of Famers basketball told reporters that Buss did not know that Johnson was about to quit, according to a video posted on NBA.com.

He complained of having stabbed his back and murmured.

"I do not like many things that have happened without having to continue," he said.

Jill Martin from CNN contributed to this report.

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