“I’ve been in this situation”- Magic Johnson confessed about betrayal by former coach amidst ownership rumors around LA Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson does not need any introduction in the NBA world. From being one of the most prominent basketball stars to having 17 rings under his name, Johnson is one of the most influential athletes in the history of the NBA.

During a recent appearance on the widely watched show First Take, Magic Johnson not only spoke about the current condition of the sport but also revealed being betrayed by one of the ex-coaches amidst the speculation around the ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Magic Johnson reveals being betrayed by former coach amidst ownership rumors with respect to Los Angeles Lakers

During a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, reputed NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith and former Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson discussed the 2025 NBA Finals and a few athletes, including Slovenian star Luka Dončić.

While talking about the Los Angeles Lakers’ early exit from the playoffs, Johnson went down memory lane and confessed to being betrayed by one of the most prominent ex-coaches in the NBA. The 62-year-old Lakers alum revealed his interest in the New York Knicks.

He said,“I may be interested in somebody else too, depending on who, who the owner is. If Dolan ever puts the Knicks up for sale, I’ll be first in line. I only own teams to win.”

He further confessed—“I’ve been in this situation back in the Lakers, and I wanted the coach, Paul Westhead, gone, and it all fell on me if I wanted him gone. Now I gotta step up, and we have to win the championship. That same year that we fired Westhead, we went on and won the championship, right? So all the excuses are gone.”Magic Johnson mentioned the 1981-82 season, almost two years before Paul Westhead was the Lakers coach during Johnson’s rookie season. Reportedly, by 1981, things had started to fall apart, as despite their early success, tension between Magic and Westhead was evident. Also Read: “I don't get paid to talk to you”- Stephen A. Smith claps back at Tyrese Haliburton for his controversial comment after Game 3 victory