Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson is starting to play it safe with the media.
On account of the popularity of Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson, the media is always darting after him. It is sensible to a large degree because Johnson carries a welcoming, inviting personality that few possess.
However, perhaps for that very reason, the former Lakers’ floor general has become an easy target for the media. While they may argue they are just doing their jobs, their questions have led to some ramifications for the Lakers.
Since Magic became a team executive, the Lakers have been granted with a couple different tampering fees. One of their past violations under Magic’s tenure was due to complimentary comments he publicized.
As Harrison Faigen of SB Nation reminds us, said fine came about because Johnson made “seemingly innocuous” remarks about another team’s player. That particular player was Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Around this time last year, Johnson simply praised The Greek Freak for his talents, yet it led to a $50,000 penalty.
Technically speaking, yes, Johnson did go against what the NBA rules entail. Discussing players from outside organizations is strictly prohibited.
What is arguably unfair, though, is that the Lakers seem to be the league’s most heavily scrutinized team when it comes to tampering. A lot of teams engage in it (unknowingly or not), yet Los Angeles has been treated the most harshly in recent years.
This sheds light on why Magic Johnson took extra precaution when he addressed the media on Thursday. A reporter was beginning to ask the Showtime icon a question relative to Kemba Walker.
However, once Magic heard Walker’s name dropped, he took the initiative to stop the reporter right there. It was not a matter of Johnson behaving in a rude fashion or anything of that nature. That is the furthest thing from true.
It is crucial to point out Magic’s response to the individual’s question, though. Via Carolina Blitz, Johnson does not want to risk getting stamped with another ludicrous fine.
Asked Magic about Kemba and he said y’all aren’t going to catch him slipping anymore. pic.twitter.com/sQZtIWnQbn
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) February 15, 2019
It is difficult to blame the guy for dismissing the gal’s inquiry. As was said before, the Lakers have been fined for tampering twice since he became the team president. But the issue is a bit bigger than trying to preserve cash—it is not like that is the Lakers’ top concern.
Rather, the central problem is that the league’s rules have not seemed to apply to all 30 franchises. That is the heart of what Johnson is getting at here in refusing to answer the Kemba Walker question.
The Lakers’ executive does raise a fair point. No team has been taxed as much as the Lakers over the last couple seasons or so. It is strange because it is not like other players and owners never speak about guys within other organizations.
As Faigen puts it, there is certainly a “double-standard” when Magic references another squad’s player. It is hard to wrap the mind around, but it cannot be refuted.
Albeit one could contend this is unfair, not a whole lot can be done about it in terms of changing it. Despite that, Johnson and the Lakers can control what they choose to share with the media when they pose questions.
When their questions concern outside players, it will be best for Johnson and the rest to resist the temptation to speak up. Being safe as opposed to sorry is all too important in avoiding that double-standard.