Magic Johnson abruptly steps down as Lakers president of basketball operations

In a surprise move, Magic Johnson announced on Tuesday he is stepping down as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The NBA great held an impromptu news conference before the start of Tuesday's game, and revealed that he was "happier when I wasn't the president." Johnson said he hadn't yet told owner Jeanie Buss that he was leaving, because he "couldn't face her to tell her," adding, "It's hard when you love an organization like I love this organization. It's hard when you love a person like I love Jeanie."

Johnson became president of basketball operations in February 2017, and had suggested he thought Luke Walton should be fired as coach, the Los Angeles Times reports. This is the end of a dismal season for the team, and when asked by reporters if he thought Walton and general manager Rob Pelinka are right for the Lakers, Johnson said that's "a decision Jeanie has to make."

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