NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson shocked the basketball world Tuesday when he announced he would be stepping down as president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

"It's a difficult decision. I cried before I came here," the five-time NBA champion admitted while choking back tears. "I am about to cry now. It's hard when you love an organization the way I love this organization. It's hard when you love a person like I love Jeanie [Buss]. I don't want to disappoint her."

The news arguably overshadowed a rather important night for veteran Dwyane Wade. After 16 years in the association, the Miami Heat guard played his last home game for the franchise he helped lead to three NBA championships. Johnson discussed Wade's great night and lamented that his duties as a Lakers exec prevented him from celebrating alongside the soon-to-be retiree.

"I thought about Dwyane Wade retiring (Wednesday), and I can't even tweet that out or be there," Johnson said.

Many will speculate the reason why the 59-year-old abruptly ended his two-year stint with the 16-time NBA champions. Without divulging much, Johnson said he wasn't a fan of some behind-the-scenes drama yet wished the Lakers all the best in the forthcoming offseason.

"I don't like a lot of things that went on that didn't have to go on," Johnson said. "I hope that after (the season ends), the Lakers can head in the right direction, which we are. Injuries really hurt us, but I enjoyed working with Jeanie."

Jeanie Buss serves as CEO and co-owner of the storied franchise, who welcomed Johnson onboard just over two years ago after she fired her brother Jim, who was vice president of basketball operations along with general manager Mitch Kupchak. Johnson's departure comes as a shock since The Associated Press writes he and Buss just wrapped a three-hour meeting on Monday where they spoke in-depth about the future of the Lakers and their offseason priorities. 

Following the announcement, the Lakers released an official statement thanking Johnson for his contributions.

"There is no greater Los Angeles Laker than Earvin Johnson. We are deeply grateful to Magic for all that he has done for our franchise – as a player, an ambassador and an executive," a portion of the release read. 

Buss also tweeted words of gratitude for her former employee, saying Johnson "brought us a long way."

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