Magic Johnson's abrupt resignation as Lakers president of basketball operations on April 9 stunned the NBA, but team owner Jeannie Buss said Monday she doesn't blame him.
Finally addressing the issue for the first time Monday, Buss admitted Johnson's resignation was surprising.
"It was a surprise when Magic turned in his resignation," Buss told reporters at the NBA Awards Show. "I didn't see that coming.
"As surprising as it was, it kind of reminded me of back in 1981 when he asked to be traded after winning a championship with the Lakers because he wasn’t happy with the way the offense had changed. That led us to getting Pat Riley as our head coach.
"So he’s got good instincts. He’s got to stay true to who he is and do what’s right for him. I wish I would’ve had a little bit more notice, but I think we’re going to be just fine."
The Lakers are now in the hands of general manager Rob Pelinka. Johnson told ESPN last month the former agent had been "backstabbing" him, which Pelinka quickly denied. Whatever happened between the two men, Buss said she is comfortable with Pelinka guiding the franchise's future.
"I’ve always had confidence in Rob, whatever the speculation is out there," Buss said. "We don’t need outside media to validate the things that we do. I’m very happy and I think we’re on the right path."
