Magic Johnson leaves Lakers; says he'll mentor Serena

By Nina Pantic Apr 10, 2019
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Magic Johnson leaves Lakers; says he'll mentor Serena

ByNina Pantic

Published Apr 10, 2019

On Tuesday, Magic Johnson announced he's stepping down as president of the Los Angeles Lakers. He broke the news in a press conference just ahead of his team's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

It turns out Johnson prefers his life before he took the role, and wants to have more freedom.

"I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and ambassador to everybody," he said.

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With his newfound freedom, he'll get be involved in other roles, including as Serena Williams' mentor.

"Serena Williams called me a week ago and said will you mentor me and be on my advisory board?" Johnson said. "And I said yeah I'm going to do that."

He joined the team in 2017, and though the Lakers didn't make the playoffs this season, they did sign LeBron James.

Johnson's news came as the biggest shock to team owner Jeanie Buss, who he didn't inform ahead of the press conference.

"I like to be free. I've got a great life outside of this, what am I doing?" Johnson said. "I'm going to go back to that beautiful life and I'm looking forward to it... Somebody is going to have to tell my boss."