LOS ANGELES _ Magic Johnson will be stepping down as Lakers president of basketball operations, he announced during an impromptu news conference on Tuesday evening before the regular-season finale.
"I was happier when I wasn't the president," said Johnson, who mentioned he had not informed owner Jeanie Buss of his decision. "I couldn't face her to tell her."
Johnson, who has served in the role since February 2017, hinted strongly that he wanted to fire coach Luke Walton but now did not expect Walton to lose his job.
"It's hard when you love an organization like I love this organization," Johnson said as he started to cry. "It's hard when you love a person like I love Jeanie."
When Johnson was asked about whether he believes Rob Pelinka is the right person to be general manager and Walton to be the coach, he said that is up to Buss.
Earlier, Walton told reporters in his pregame news conference that he was not worried about his future.
"No anxiety. But call me later tonight and the answer might be different," Walton said.
