The NBA Has a Magic Johnson Problem
Remember that scene in Straight Outta Compton (well it also happened in real life) where Suge Knight tells Dr. Dre he’ll look over his finances for him? Suge Knight, so well established and respected, just doing a small favor for a younger friend. Definitely no underlying intentions with that one. That’s exactly how it feels when you hear Ben Simmons could be taking “Big Guard” lessons from Magic Johnson.
Speaking pre-game in Philly, Magic Johnson reveals that Ben Simmons wants to sit down with him this summer to trade some "big guard" secrets if the Sixers, Lakers and the league office all sign off
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 10, 2019
This isn’t a respected former player trying to offer advice and lend a helping hand. This is yet another tiresome ploy by Klutch Sports Regime to pluck one of their own off a team and land them in LA. It is just the latest case of Magic using his reputation as a Basketball Lifer to supersede the rules that govern typical NBA GM’s in order to lure star players to Los Angeles. It’s crooked, it’s shady and hilariously, it has not worked.
One well kept secret, The lakers have the least wins in the NBA since the beginning of the 2013-2014 season. That includes the #process. Even the #Knicks have more wins than the #lakers over 5.5 years. Maybe Silver should send Em some “help” to repair relationships n culture https://t.co/zHv2JmJsmd
— DaveEarly (@DavidEarly) February 11, 2019
Reportedly, this request from Ben Simmons was made months ago. The phone call in which Elton Brand declines Magic the opportunity to work with Simmons happened months ago as well. Which makes it odd as to why Magic would comment on working out with Ben well after that idea was shot down. But, this isn’t Magic’s first rodeo. He knows how to be he nice guy. The guy who can rope people in by using his charisma. He’s the salesman who shows up to Peter Griffin’s door to sell volcano insurance to him by using style and pizazz. But this act, which has only been amplified by the arrival of Lebron is getting old for the rest of the league.
All in all, I’m ecstatic that the rest of the league is finally sticking up to the NBA version of the mafia (Magic Johnson, Lebron James and Rich Paul). The Pelicans engaged in “bad faith” trade talks with LA. Then Elton Brand basically told Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka to fuck off if they try to work with Simmons. Hopefully Adam Silver and the leagues front office follows suit.
The NBA has a Magic Johnson problem, and the Lakers probably do too.