LOS ANGELES_Magic Johnson is stepping down as Los Angeles 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 should remain the coach, he said "that's a decision Jeanie has to make."
Johnson indicated he wasn't prepared to make those tough decisions.
"I would have to affect someone's livelihood and their life. And I thought about that. That's not fun for me," Johnson said. That's not who I am. And then I don't want to put (Jeanie) in the middle of us, even though she said, 'Hey, you do what you want to do.' I know she has great love for (Walton). And great love for me. I want to go back to having fun."
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.
Johnson went on to express relief that he had decided to part ways with the franchise. "I was happier when I wasn't the president," he said. "I'm so happy right now."
Despite his decision, Johnson said he's willing to help the Lakers with their free-agent recruiting efforts. He also said the Lakers aren't afraid to pursue a star player this offseason.
The arrival of LeBron James created anticipation of the Lakers' return to the playoffs, but the 15-time All-Star forward injured his groin during a win over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas and missed 17 consecutive games. Rajon Rondo also re-injured his right hand during the win and missed 14 games before returning on Jan. 24.
The Lakers plummeted from fourth place in the Western Conference standings to ninth before James' return on Jan. 31. The Lakers announced on March 30 that he was done for the season amid a sixth straight season outside postseason contention. The Lakers entered their season finale against Portland with a record of 37-44.
James played in 55 games this season and averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He made 51 percent of his shots from the field, and 33.9 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers were all higher than James' career averages, except for three-point shooting accuracy.
On the Lakers' future, Johnson said, "Everything is in place. We add one guy and this team is in the Western Conference finals."
