When Laker fans got the news last summer that LeBron was taking his talents to Los Angeles, they didn’t predict that LeBron would miss his first NBA Playoff since 2006.
Magic’s Departure
They also didn’t predict that Magic Johnson would step down as Lakers President of Basketball Operations. However, both have taken place. The Lakers struggled miserably this year to remain healthy. Overall, as a result, their record of (37-45), and a conference record of (25-27) wasn’t good enough in the conference. Furthermore, The Lakers failed to qualify for the NBA Playoffs for the six consecutive years. This includes LeBron who’s the first year was a disappointment after a severe groin injury leaving him benched.
Yahoo Sports reported yesterday morning that former Laker and Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson decided to step down as Lakers general manager. The move came as a shock to most in the sports world, including Stephen A. Smith of First Take. The longtime writer/analyst stated,
“Magic Johnson felt betrayed by folks within the Lakers organization, along with news from Espn questioning Magic Johnson as a boss.”
It is also a surprise that a man in Magic Johnson, who has gone through so much such as the H.I.V virus, retirement and readjusting himself back into the game of basketball, years upon years of building the Lakers franchise up would suddenly just give up on anything. So you would have to imagine that Stephen A. Smith was right when saying Magic felt betrayed, because otherwise, Magic wouldn’t give up on a challenge.
Lebron’s Negative Impact
Given the level of criticism that LeBron James has received during his career, is Magic’s retirement LeBron’s fault?
LeBron did sabotage the team chemistry when asking the Lakers front office to replace stars of the Lakers, including the head coach. According to multiple reports to trade young stars Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma. LeBron has also been given this tag as a coach killer. Earlier in the year according to CBS sports.com, LeBron was rumored to want a Luke Walton coaching change; reportedly wanted Luke Walton replaced as Lakers Head Coach.
In January of 2016, we know about LeBron wanting former Cleveland Coach David Blatt fired, which resulted in David Blatt’s firing. LeBron has a long history of coaches being fired on his watch. Now the question is regarding Magic Johnson’s step down the fault of one LeBron James?
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