Magic Johnson’s tenure as an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers was full of mistakes.
As an NBA player, Magic Johnson enjoyed phenomenal success during his 13-year stint with the franchise as he helped the team win five championships.
Unfortunately, Johnson didn’t enjoy a similar level of success as an executive for the Purple and Gold.
What was Magic Johnson’s biggest mistake as LA Lakers president?
Sure, Johnson helped the Lakers sign LeBron James in 2018, but he committed a plethora of mistakes, including drafting Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Stephen A. Smith wanted Magic Johnson to draft De’Aaron Fox
Magic’s decision to draft Ball hasn’t aged well. Of course, picking him over Jayson Tatum was a blunder.
Even if the Lakers didn’t want Tatum, they could have selected De’Aaron Fox. Yes, the same star who has led the San Antonio Spurs to a 4-1 record without Victor Wembanyama this season.
Speaking of the 2017 NBA Draft night mistake, Stephen A. Smith claimed he tried convincing Magic to take Fox over Ball with their pick.
“First of all, I don’t know if you know this, but that’s the only basketball argument I’ve ever gotten into with Earvin Magic Johnson,” Smith said on the Joe and Jada podcast. “De’Aaron Fox. I was the one begging them, don’t draft Lonzo Ball, draft De’Aaron Fox.”
Smith further explained how Magic was ‘caught up’ in marketing Ball as the home-grown talent for the Lakers.
“I said, ‘You’re caught up in Chino Hills. You’re caught up in UCLA. You’re caught up in the local product coming to the Lake Show.’ I said, ‘De’Aaron Fox will bust his a__. De’Aaron Fox is that dude,’” Smith added.
Over the years, Fox has only become a better NBA star, while Ball has dealt with multiple injuries. Currently, Fox is miles better than Ball, and it’s not even a debate.
Magic Johnson’s response to Stephen A. Smith
Adding more to the story, Smith revealed that Magic defended his decision to draft Ball by bringing the business side of things into the discussion.
“I respect Lonzo, but he ain’t this cat. I’m telling you right now, De’Aaron Fox is the one to take. Magic argued with me. He said it’s a business decision,” Stephen A. continued.
The veteran analyst concluded, stating: “And I said basketball winning is the best business.”
It’s no surprise that Magic resigned as the Lakers’ president in 2019. In hindsight, the decision saved him from becoming a villain for the Laker Nation.