By Shaquille Hill, For TheAfricanAmericanAthlete
After what Magic Johnson said regarding the Los Angeles Lakers organization on Monday, I’m not sure if any of the big name free agents available will even look L.A.’s way when the free agency opens on July 1.
During an interview with Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose on ESPN’s First Take, the Hall of Fame point guard and Laker legend said he didn’t have the power that he thought he would have as President of basketball operations.
Johnson mentioned several times during the interview that while he answered to Buss, there were several other people in the organization that were in the way of communication between Johnson and Buss.
“Too many people at the table,” Johnson said. “That was supposed to be me as the president having that final say.”
Johnson basically said that owner Jeannie Buss was too emotionally invested to run the team, and general manager Rob Pelinka stabbed him in the back, particularly regarding the firing of former head coach Luke Walton.
What does this mean going forward with for the franchise, and its prized player, LeBron James?
If Johnson didn’t have any power in the Lakers’ management, I can’t imagine LeBron James having any voice or much of one. If management can’t co-exist, then how will coach and players develop a relationship with them?
This is a truly low day for any professional organization, but especially one as treasured and accomplished as the Los Angeles Lakers.
I know that Magic Johnson said the Lakers wouldn’t trade LeBron. However, if I’m LeBron, I don’t have time for bickering. I need wins and I need rings.
James may be patient now, but I doubt it last long.
Last summer, LA became a championship hopeful. This year they have been a championship travesty.
Stay tuned.
