Magic Johnson steps down as Lakers' president of basketball operations

In a stunning and impromptu 40-minute news conference before the Los Angeles Lakers' season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers, Magic Johnson announced he was stepping down from his role as the team's president of basketball of operations. The decision comes a little more than two years after he took on the position in an effort to restore one of the league's most storied franchises to championship contention.

Johnson made the announcement immediately after coach Luke Walton's pregame comments, adding that he had not yet informed team owner Jeanie Buss of his intentions to step down.

"I like to be free," Johnson said. "I've got a great life... what am I doing? I've got a beautiful life. I'm gonna go back to that beautiful life. I'm looking forward to it. Somebody is going to have to tell my boss, because I know she's going to be sick. But I knew I couldn't face her face-to-face and tell her."

Lebron ran him out