The NBA has fined Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson, for tampering for the second time this season. This one, is a little different.
On January 29, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson heaped very high levels of praise on Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokoumpo when talking to ESPN about the Greek Freak.
"“With his ball-handling skills and his passing ability. He plays above the rim I never could do that. But in his understanding of the game, his basketball IQ, his creativity of shots for his teammates. That’s where we [have the] same thing. Can bring it down, make a pass, make a play. I’m just happy he’s starting in the All-Star game because he deserves that. And he’s going to be like an MVP, a champion, this dude he’s going to put Milwaukee on the map. And I think he’s going to bring them a championship one day.”"
Johnson’s comments were nothing but complimentary and any NBA player would love praise from a legend of the game such as himself. Even Antetokounmpo was appreciative of the praise.
"“But it’s even more believable when other guys see that, like Magic. Especially Magic seeing that, that’s big. Because it’s almost like, “OK, he sees that.” So I’m on the right path, I’ve got to to do what I’m doing.”"
Sadly, the league feels otherwise due to Johnson’s status as a front office executive for the Lakers. The NBA fined Johnson $50,000 for the comments he made based on the leagues tampering rules.
This is different than the private tampering violations the Lakers front office received for contacting the Thunder’s Paul George while he was under contract with the Thunder.
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In general, it’s tough for executives and coaches alike to avoid this fine in many scenarios. Just last week when there was a leak on LeBron James being interested in playing for the Warriors, a reporter asked Kerr about it and he responded with knowledge of the tampering rule.
"“You’re really going to ask that? Do you want me to get my checkbook out? Do you want me to make it out to Adam Silver or the NBA or…?”"
Kerr, who has been around the block a few times as an executive and now a head coach was more prepared than Johnson. Hopefully, Johnson learns from this mistake and finds all the other loopholes that more experienced executives have.