On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers were blindsided by Magic Johnson’s decision to step down from his high-ranking position as president of basketball operations. Not even team president and controlling owner Jeanie Buss, Johnson’s boss, had an idea of what was going to happen.
Since Johnson’s shocking departure, though, the team has released a statement wishing him will and several people within the organization have showed support for the Basketball Hall of Famer, including Lonzo Ball.
During Ball’s exit interview on Wednesday, he said that he was surprised to hear that Johnson was stepping down, but he doesn’t condemn him for doing so (via Lakers.com):
“It shocked me like it did the rest of the world. But, you know, it’s what’s best for him. I wish him the best. He drafted me and this is better for his life and if that’s what he wants to do, I support him 100 percent.”
Ball also spoke highly of his experience working under Johnson, saying that Johnson made himself available during his time with the Lakers:
“It’s a blessing. In my opinion, he’s the best point guard to ever play the game. That’s what I want to be. So, to have him watching over me the last two years has been great. Film sessions with him have been amazing. Any time I needed help, I could just go to him. Whether it was on the court or off the court, he was always there for me.”
It’s safe to say that Johnson had mutual respect for Ball, considering he once dubbed the 21-year-old point guard the new face of the Lakers’ franchise. However, with Johnson — one of Ball’s biggest supporters in the front office — gone, it’s unclear whether or not Ball has a future in Los Angeles.
