Magic Johnson has announced his resignation as Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations at an impromptu news conference before the team's NBA regular-season finale against Portland.
He said team owner Jeanie Buss had not been told of his decision in advance.
Johnson, a Hall of Famer from his playing days with the Lakers, said he is resigning because he doesn't enjoy the job.
"I was happier when I wasn't the president," the 59-year-old Johnson said.
His announcement came on the heels of an ESPN report that he and coach Luke Walton have not spoken for weeks.
Walton's future is in jeopardy after he failed to lead the Lakers to the post- season in the first season with LeBron James on the team.
The Lakers entered Wednesday's (NZ time) clash with the Trail Blazers with a 37-44 record.
Walton, 39, is set to wrap up his third consecutive sub-.500 season with Los Angeles, with a career record of 98-147 for a .400 winning percentage.
Buss has been a strong proponent of Walton but previously said she planned to let Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka decide his future.
Reuters
