Magic Johnson Feels Responsibility to LeBron James; 'He Had a Big Brother in Me'

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Former Los Angeles Lakers team president Magic Johnson said Friday he still feels a responsibility toward LeBron James since he played such a key role in the recruitment of the four-time NBA MVP.

"He signed knowing I was here. That we had a plan," Johnson told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. "He knew he had a big brother in me as well. He could run things by me. He can still do that."

The Basketball Hall of Famer stepped down from the Lakers organization in April, stating in an impromptu press conference that the front-office role was too restrictive.

"I want to go back to having fun," he said at the time. "I want to go back to being who I was before taking on this job."

It doesn't appear he's done trying to help the Lakers build a championship contender, though.

Earlier this week, Johnson told Bill Oram of The Athletic he still reaches out to members of the Lakers brass, including CEO Jeanie Buss, with his take on the team's potential moves.

"I've sent messages, I've left her messages," he said. "... I call her assistant or whoever and just like I say, 'Hey, we've got to do [the Anthony Davis trade].' I left them all a message: 'You've got to do it.' Because now you're set for 10 years, even after LeBron. And I'm glad they did it."

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Although Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported Johnson was scheduled to take part in a meeting with representatives for impending superstar free agent Kawhi Leonard, Johnson explained to Shelburne he's not permitted to take part in those types of official team activities:

Regardless, it's clear Johnson feels a strong connection to both James and the franchise as a whole after leading L.A. to five NBA championships during his playing days.

It's unknown whether James, who said Magic's exit blindsided him, remains in contact with the Lakers legend.