With Magic Johnson stepping down as President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers, what ramifications does it have for the LA Clippers?
Magic Johnson, in typical Magic Johnson fashion, stole the spotlight last night with his impromptu press conference in which he announced he would be stepping down as President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. This story dominated a night in which both Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade played their final home games, playoff seeding was on the line for several teams and Jamal Crawford became the oldest player to drop 50+ points.
Magic’s move will impact not only the Lakers, but a lot of the league. For the LA Clippers, there could be several ramifications.
The first and most obvious impact will be during free agency. Both the Clippers and Lakers are in position to add a superstar (or two) this summer with notable players like Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving and Jimmy Butler all available. Outside of signing LeBron James, the Lakers had difficulty bringing in big name players. Most notably, Paul George would not even grant them an interview this past summer.
With Magic not really giving General Manager Rob Pelinka a vote of confidence, it remains to be seen if the Lakers will be able to attract a superstar this offseason. Many in the media are concerned that playing with LeBron James could be seen as a negative, given the constant spotlight surrounding him. Combining that with the uncertainty in the front office could mean that the Lakers miss out again.
This bodes well for the Clippers, who have been chugging along on their way to a playoff berth while still maintaining cap space. The team has put itself in a situation for a star to come in and they offer all the same benefits as the Lakers, minus the historic past. In fact, Magic stepping down could greatly benefit the Clips.
Pelinka is still in control (for now) and the Lakers have made several head scratching moves this season. There is no guarantee that he nor Luke Walton even make it through the week. With the media circus last night further confirming their front office is a mess, the Clippers stability could be even more appealing for someone looking to come to Los Angeles. Even if a new hire is put into place immediately, there is no guarantee that stability will follow under Jeanie Buss’ ownership.
Unless…
The Lakers could try and poach Jerry West, currently a special consultant for the LA Clippers. West had wanted to return to the Lakers, but Buss felt he did not match their current vision. The stars could align for him to join them this summer. West’s deal with the Clippers will end and with his son already a member of the Lakers front office, he could be lured away. West would provide stability and a familiar face that players could gravitate towards. It’s what the Clips have been hoping in part to use this summer as they court players.
It’s difficult to see that happening though. West likely won’t want more than a consultant job at this point in his career and very well may want to see his rebuild (if you can call it that) of the Clippers completed. He even notably laughed at the ineptitude of the Lakers’ front office this season. Still, it is something worth watching.
Pay attention to the Lakers over the next few weeks, Clipper Nation. With such an important summer forthcoming for both franchises, any one little thing could greatly impact both.