Report: Elton Brand called Magic Johnson to apologize for radio interview

The wee hours of Monday night brought us yet another twist in the latest NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Lakers for tampering. And it appears that Philadelphia 76ers boss Elton Brand has apologized to the Lakers for his role in brewing the latest tampering firestorm.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported late Monday that the 76ers general manager called Magic Johnson, after comments by Brand during an interview with Philadelphia radio station 97.5 The Fanatic, fueled questions about the contact between Simmons and the Lakers.

Brand, according to Shelburne’s sources, apologized to Johnson insinuated it was he who shot down a potential meeting between his star Ben Simmons and Magic Johnson.

Elton Brand called Magic Johnson Monday afternoon to apologize for insinuating that the Lakers had called —unprompted— to ask permission for Johnson to speak with Sixers forward Ben Simmons in a radio interview Monday morning, league sources told ESPN.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 12, 2019

In interview with @975TheFanatic Brand said, “Rob Pelinka called me and said that Ben wanted to talk to Hall of Famers after the season, Magic was on the list. He asked for authorization… I said no.” He did not mention Sixers had contacted Pelinka first, which prompted the call

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 12, 2019

Shortly after Brand’s comments, the NBA announced to multiple outlets that they were conducting an investigation into the contact between Simmons and the Lakers.

If NBA investigators corroborate the latest report, then the Lakers will likely get out of their latest tampering investigation without major repercussions. Still, there’s the chance that the Lakers catch a smaller fine, like the one Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry caught for talking about Anthony Davis.