When Magic Johnson was named the new President of the Los Angeles Lakers, the expectations were unsurprisingly abundant. As the marquee NBA franchise and one of the best players of all-time, Johnson knew he would have to lure big-name free agents to LA in order to appease Laker nation.
Though the Lakers did make strides last season, they missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. Now with free agency looming, Magic Johnson knows how important it will be to add some franchise-altering talent. According to The Athletic’s Bill Oram, Johnson stated that if he is unable to add top-tier talent this summer and the next, he will step down from his position on the Lakers:
Just to be clear on the line Magic Johnson drew today:
"It's going to be a two summer thing for the Lakers. This summer and next summer. That’s it. If I can’t deliver I’m going to step down myself. She won’t have to fire me, I’ll step away from it, because I can’t do this job."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) June 26, 2018
Obviously, there are some big-name free agents available this summer and next that have already been linked to the Lakers. This offseason, the Lakers appear to be one of the frontrunners for landing LeBron James and are also in the mix for Paul George.
Both of these players could change life in LA but based off Magic’s comments, it’s a two-year plan which will likely include next year’s free agency class as well with players such as Klay Thompson and others.
Magic Johnson knows the pressure that comes with being the decision maker for the Lakers. If they strike out again on the elite talent available like they have in years past, Johnson may not be at the helm for very long.
