Magic Johnson steps down as president of Lakers by telling reporters first, Twitter reacts

What has been an awful year for the Los Angeles Lakers just ended with a total shocker as Magic Johnson announced in an impromptu scrum with reporters that he was stepping down as President of Basketball Operations with the Lakers.

Wow. Who saw that coming? I’m guessing nobody, including owner Jeanie Buss, who Magic said he hadn’t told yet before telling reporters.

Magic, of course, was supposed to work with the franchise to bring in some big-name free agents to join LeBron James this offseason but now he’s done with his role as president.

It will be interesting to see what this means for the team moving forward.

The NBA world shared insights to why the move happened as well as reactions to Magic’s stunning decision:

Magic Johnson steps down as Lakers president. He hasn’t said it outright but is hinting strongly that he planned to fire Luke Walton and that won’t happen now. He is getting emotional and hasn’t told Jeanie yet he says.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) April 10, 2019

Since taking over as president of the Lakers, Magic Johnson never fully committed to the job. Often he was traveling and away from the team. His office hours were limited. He didn't do a lot of scouting. Running an NBA team takes a tremendous commitment of time and energy.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2019

Magic Johnson: “(Jeanie) doesn’t know I’m standing here.”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 10, 2019

Wow! Magic Johnson just resigned before the Lakers’ final game. What a way to finish arguably the most disappointing season in Lakers history.

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 10, 2019

Magic Johnson says that his position doesn’t allow him to be a statesman of the game of basketball. He says he wants to go back to his wonderful life away from this position. “I was happier when I wasn’t the president (of the Lakers)”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 10, 2019

Magic Johnson is conducting an impromptu press conference and just stepped down as Lakers president. He said he loves Jeanie Buss like a sister.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 10, 2019

“I think that with (Jeanie) and I, I want to always preserve our relationship with her. And I think I had more fun when I was able to the be big brother and ambassador.”

— Bill Oram (@billoram) April 10, 2019

As if the Lakers didn't have enough drama within the organization, Magic Johnson just announced that he's stepping down. This is WILD.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 10, 2019

Magic Johnson, last year: "If I can't deliver, I'm going to step down."

Magic Johnson, tonight: "I'm stepping down."

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 10, 2019

So Magic Johnson just called an impromptu press conference after Luke Walton got done and he announced he’s stepping down as president. Whoa.

— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) April 10, 2019

Magic Johnson. Always coming w/ the no look pass.

— Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) April 10, 2019

Looooooooooooool https://t.co/WKVuvr1wbK

— gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 10, 2019