Magic Johnson shares regret about LeBron James during Lakers tenure
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 6:20 AM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026
Magic Johnson expressed regret over not informing LeBron James about his resignation as Lakers president in April 2019. During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Johnson reflected on his time as an executive and the importance of that conversation, stating he felt he owed it to James. Johnson, who had recruited LeBron to the Lakers in 2018, acknowledged that his abrupt departure may have altered the franchise's trajectory. The ongoing relationship between LeBron and current Lakers executive Rob Pelinka has faced challenges since Johnson left, particularly following a failed trade in 2021.
- •Magic Johnson regrets not calling LeBron before resigning in April 2019.
- •He was the Lakers' President of Basketball Operations at the time.
- •Johnson recruited LeBron to the Lakers in 2018.
- •Rob Pelinka succeeded Johnson as the team's executive.
- •LeBron's relationship with Pelinka has faced issues since Johnson's departure.
- 6:20 AMYahoo Sports — Magic Johnson reveals his biggest Lakers regret, which involves LeBron James
"Magic Johnson is arguably the greatest Los Angeles Laker of all time, but his biggest regret with the franchise came with his time as an executive in 2019. Johnson spent 13 seasons as a player with the Lakers and has been an ambassador for the franchise his entire adult life.
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