Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Rumors > Lakers Rumors: LeBron James ‘Stunned’ By Magic Johnson’s Resignation, Still ‘Stands Behind’ Jeanie Buss And Organization
Rumors

Lakers Rumors: LeBron James ‘Stunned’ By Magic Johnson’s Resignation, Still ‘Stands Behind’ Jeanie Buss And Organization

Dan Duangdao
Published: 04/10/2019
2 Min Read
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Prior to the conclusion of the 2018-19 NBA season, Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson shockingly resigned.

As most assumed Johnson would fire head coach Luke Walton, there is uncertainty as no one within the organization knew about the announcement.

All of the attention is on LeBron James now, who signed a four-year, $154 million deal in free agency and missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2004-05 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Although James was reportedly ‘stunned’ to learn about Johnson’s resignation, he still stands behind president Jeanie Buss and the organization, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:

LeBron James was stunned to learn of Magic Johnson’s decision to step down as the Los Angeles Lakers’ president of basketball operations, a source with knowledge of James’ thinking told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.

But despite Johnson’s abrupt resignation, James stands behind Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and the organization, the source told Shelburne.

While Johnson was expected to provide stability, it will be interesting to see how his decision impacts the Lakers in free agency. With $38 million in cap space, the Lakers have envisioned a second All-Star player alongside James and the young core, but there are conflicting reports on actually signing one.

Without Johnson, it will be interesting to see James’ role in recruiting players now. While the 34-year-old is not guaranteeing championships, he is guaranteeing his championship mindset and body.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Jeanie BussLeBron JamesLos Angeles LakersMagic Johnson
ByDan Duangdao
Follow:
Dan Duangdao was the managing editor at Lakers Nation (2013-16, 2018-20). He is currently the founder at LA Sports Media, Lake Show, Raiders Nation, Rams Nation, Kings Nation, Galaxy Nation, and MMA Rumors. Born and raised in Southern California and a lifelong Los Angeles sports and mixed martial arts fan, his first NBA game was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors with Michael Jordan in attendance during the 1998-99 NBA season. He was previously a contributor at HOOPSWORLD (now Basketball Insiders) and an NBA editor at ClutchPoints. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @DanDuangdao.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?