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Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson resigning was best for all parties

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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Magic Johnson resigning as President of Basketball Operations was the peak of the Los Angeles Lakers’ troubles, although it really wasn’t that bad.

It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been somewhat embarrassing and sort of a laughing stock over the last year despite signing the biggest American athlete, LeBron James.

From whiffing on Paul George to getting exposed in trade leaks with the New Orleans Pelicans to making absurd trades that made no sense, the Lakers never seemed to be on the same page, both on the court and off.

Magic Johnson resigning as the President of Basketball Operations in an impromptu press conference that he held was the culmination of the hectic year that the Lakers endured.

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It was the perfect bow on top, the final piece of ammunition for any other NBA fan to fire away at Laker fans. It was as surprising as it was strange, as embarrassing as it was unprofessional.

However, with over a week to think about the move and really simmer on Magic’s decision and how it affects the Lakers, it is obvious that it is best for both parties that Johnson is stepping down. While Rob Pelinka as the lone decision maker might not be great, this move was best for LA.

Plain and simple: Magic Johnson wasn’t very good at the everyday basketball operations. He made some questionable trades, let trade talks get leaked and never seemed attached to this 24/7, 365 job that he had. And why would he? He is Magic Johnson.

Jeannie Buss was not going to fire Johnson, though, because of their connection and likely would have ridden the wagon until the wheels fell off. If Johnson would not have resigned, it might have taken three to four more years of failed seasons before Buss would take a stand.

What Magic is good at, which is something that he alluded to in the press conference, is being an ambassador for the game of basketball. Johnson was restricted in his role and could not reach out and mentor any young stars, nor congratulate them, because of his tampering past.

But this does not mean that he cannot be an ambassador for the Lakers still and that is exactly what he is going to do. Johnson is reportedly going to help the Lakers in the free agent recruitment process this summer.

He is going to be the guy in the room to close the deal, which is the entire reason that he was hired in the first place. However, this time, he has his freedom to be Magic Johnson and does not have to be trusted with the everyday operations.

Next. Lakers have a great drafting track record. dark

That is all the Los Angeles Lakers ever really needed out of Johnson and even Johnson realizes that; that probably plays a huge role in why he resigned in the first place.

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