Lance Stephenson: Magic Johnson Gave Me Advice, Lakers Exit 'Very Shocking'

Like many people involved with the Los Angeles Lakers, guard Lance Stephenson was caught off guard by Magic Johnson's decision to step down as president of basketball operations Tuesday.

"It was shocking," Stephenson said Wednesday, per Ryan Ward of Clutch Points. "Like I said, he played a great part in my game this year. Very helpful. Talked to me every time that he seen me. Gave me some advice that I need, so when I heard that, it was very shocking."

Johnson apparently gave little indication he was planning to leave his position.

The Hall of Famer didn't tell team owner Jeanie Buss, even though the two had a three-hour meeting Monday about the direction of the Lakers, per Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. LeBron James also wasn't told on a visit Saturday, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

It's no surprise Stephenson was kept out of the loop.

Still, his note that Johnson gave him advice is telling. Johnson cited the inability to talk to younger players who reached out to him as a reason he no longer wanted the job of team president.

"When Ben Simmons called and we went through the proper channels, and they made me look like the bad guy in that situation, but I didn't do anything wrong, but do everything right," Johnson told reporters. "I was thinking about all those times, all guys who want me to mentor them or be a part of their lives, and I can't even do that. I have more fun on the other side."

Johnson will now be able to give advice without being accused of tampering.