Count legendary Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson as one man who disapproves of the team’s decision over the weekend to hire Mike D’Antoni as its head coach.
The Hall of Fame point guard, who spent 13 seasons with the Lakers before taking an ownership stake in the team, took to Twitter to express his disapproval of the team’s decision to hire D’Antoni over former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
The reason I haven’t tweeted in 2 days is because I’ve been mourning Phil Jackson not being hired as the Lakers head coach.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 14, 2012
My mother always taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 14, 2012
Johnson has sold his stake in the Lakers and now works as a commentator and is part-owner of the Dodgers. On Sunday, he addressed rumours that he played a part in the team’s decision to fire Mike Brown.
I’d like to address some rumors related to my role in the firing of Mike Brown.I had NO conversations w/ Dr. Buss, Jim Buss or Mitch.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 12, 2012
I’m not involved w/ the @lakers day-to-day, only the @dodgers.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 12, 2012
The last time I spoke to Dr. Buss, was 3 months ago & we were merely reminiscing about the Showtime @lakers days.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 12, 2012
Johnson went so far in pointing out that he would “own” it if he had a voice in the decision as he did when the Lakers fired Paul Westhead in 1982 and replaced him with assistant coach Pat Riley.
If I was involved w/ the firing of Mike Brown, I would own it like I did w/ Paul Westhead.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 12, 2012
Riley was one of the coaches that Johnson was hoping to see hired as Brown’s replacement.
I’d love to see Phil Jackson or Brian Shaw.Wish Pat Riley was available.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 9, 2012
