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Magic Johnson’s first Tweet after surprising resignation is to thank Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers v Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Magic Johnson reacts as he speaks to the press resigning as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on April 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

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In the end, the job was not what Magic Johnson thought it would be.

He had been a friend, advisor and sounding board to Jeanie Buss for years, so when the lead Lakers’ owner asked him to take over running the franchise for which he is an all-time great, he said yes. But the job itself is work. A grind. With restrictions on what he could say and do publicly — Magic was constantly running afoul of or flirting with tampering rules. By his own words, he felt like he was in handcuffs.

So he unexpectedly quit before he had to get his hands dirty and fire Luke Walton (which Buss had giving him permission to do).

Magic’s first Tweet since he stepped down — in a rambling 40-minute press conference where he said plenty — was to thank everyone with the Lakers.

No doubt he feels that way.

But he has left the organization in a bind heading into a big summer if they are going to win a ring in the LeBron James era.