Twitter reacts to Magic Johnson's stunning resignation as Lakers president
On the precipice of an NBA playoffs that the Los Angeles Lakers will not participate in, team president of basketball operations Magic Johnson stunned the basketball world Tuesday by announcing he’s stepping down.
Johnson cited a desire to have more fun as motivation and told reporters he was breaking the news to them before he told owner Jeanie Buss.
“I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and the ambassador to everybody,” Johnson said.
In addition to surprising Buss, Johnson shocked NBA Twitter, which had plenty to say about his departure — one that arrived on a big night in the NBA that included Dwyane Wade’s final home game in Miami and what looked Dirk Nowitzki’s career finale in Dallas.
NBA media have takes on Magic Johnson news
I don’t know what the HELL just happened with MAGIC JOHNSON!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Ra9yRDpDYw
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 10, 2019
Magic Johnson just quit the #Lakers like Tom Cruise quit The Firm.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) April 10, 2019
"Thanks for the offer Jeanie, I'd love to accept the job." pic.twitter.com/xRawqhOFoo
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 10, 2019
The Lakers stay upstaging
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) April 10, 2019
I get Magic maybe deciding this wasn’t for him, and that this is going to take longer than he thought. I don’t get him not informing Jeanie Buss before informing the media. That is…stunning.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) April 10, 2019
Fans react too
Of course NBA media weren’t the only people with reactions to the news. The rest of Twitter also had plenty to say.
Magic Johnson stepping down (Rob Pelinka probably leaving soon too) is probably the best thing to happen to the Lakers all season... not even joking.
Live look at me: pic.twitter.com/yjGRIZf7aC— 2️⃣3️⃣👑🐐 (@JemiKingBron) April 10, 2019
Magic Johnson kept it real and lakers fans need to respect that he just wants to be him...
— RW (@PhilthyRich29) April 10, 2019
LeBron James to Magic Johnson pic.twitter.com/JX0eowgXVs
— Matthew Sigur (@MatthewSigur) April 10, 2019
@MagicJohnson Mr Johnson Integrity means more than just settling. I admire you. I just read your reasoning for stepping down I hope the NBA can learn from people like you. Be Free Brother Enjoy your Life and Family 🙏🏾👊🏾
— Janet Crosswhite (@Divastyle209) April 10, 2019
LeBron to Magic Johnson in the season's end meeting: pic.twitter.com/1ns5djHJCY
— Kyle Wolf (@KyleWolf_11) April 10, 2019
I honestly think that Magic Johnson resigning May be the funniest, most satisfying, most just thing to ever happen.
— Philadelphia Freedom (#FletcherOut) (@DelcoPhillyVRS) April 10, 2019
*Lebron confidently walking into the Lakers HQ thinking he’s gonna start winning championships with Magic
Magic: pic.twitter.com/KlqSm3lDx3— Abdul Memon (@abdulamemon) April 10, 2019
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