Do the Lakers need someone like Magic Johnson to revive their spirits? There have been loud chants from fans for the Lakers to fire head coach Darvin Hams. After the 4-1 series loss to the Denver Nuggets in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, he was indeed fired. Consequently, the Purple and Gold are looking for another coach who perfectly fits the team and can lead them to victory. Among the numerous names suggested, journalists and fans have also mentioned Lakers legend Magic Johnson. 

During one of his rendezvous, a TMZ reporter asked the 5x NBA Champion if he would consider coaching once again. However, the 5-time NBA champ didn’t give it much thought and quickly dismissed the idea saying “No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Thank you though.“

The reporter also asked Johnson to share his opinion about the right candidate who could replace Ham. In response, Johnson said, “I couldn’t tell ya,” Handing the responsibility to owners Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, he added, “It’s up to the Lakers and Jeanie [Buss] and Rob Pelinka. I hope they get a good one, though.”

Johnson’s decision is understandable considering his last coaching tenure with the Lakers.

Magic Johnson’s coaching tenure with the Lakers

The champ joined the Lakers as a coach in the 1993-94 season. In the 80s, he was the superstar of the Lakers’ Showtime era. Leading the team to win 5 NBA titles is not a joke. However, he had to retire after he tested positive for HIV. And then again in 1994, he was asked by Jerry Buss to become the coach for the Lakers.

Following this, he agreed and replaced Randy Pfund and Bill Bertka. But the Lakers under his guidance couldn’t meet fans’ expectations. The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make the playoffs, ending up in fifth place in the Pacific Division.

During an interview with the New York Times, “I take losses too hard. I hurt and I take it home with me. I don’t want my stomach turning every night. I’d rather go home and enjoy it as I did before this job.” And that is when he turned away from his coaching job. However, he wishes all the luck to the Lakers now.

This will mark the third replacement of the Head Coach position in the Lakers in the last five years. Numerous names have come forward in the discussion. As per a report by The Athletics, Mike Budenholzer, Kenny Atkinson, J.J. Reddick, and Ty Lue are some of the names considered. 

As per fans, the Los Angeles Lakers might be in need of a fresh start to defeat the Denver Nuggets after their second consecutive playoff loss. Do you agree with the fans? Let us know in the comments section below.