Magic Johnson shares how Lakers recruited LeBron James

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Ervin “Magic” Johnson, president of basketball operations for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, has shared some details of the meeting between him and LeBron James before “the King” decided to join the Lakers with a four-year 154 million US dollar deal, in an interview with Spectrum SportsNet.

Johnson said that he and Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager, spent four-to-six months preparing for the meeting. They considered what they should talk about and what may matter to James. They also took their plans to Jeanie Buss, the team’s president, and discussed them with her.

The meeting happened on June 30 at James’ California home; Johnson arrived one hour earlier and waited in his car outside. Having considered James as one of the world’s best basketball players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Larry Bird, Johnson did not talk about what kind of team the Lakers are.

Ervin "Magic" Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers /VCG Photo

“He didn't need to hear that. He already knew the team, maybe better than I did. He broke the roster down right in front of me... He knew every single guy, the strength and weaknesses on our team,” said Magic.

According to Johnson, LeBron said he simply wanted to be himself and play for the Lakers, a team that he believes can help him realize his goals. He also mentioned that he wanted to learn more about, and have a sit-down conversation, with Jeanie Buss so they could establish a strong relationship.

Johnson said that they answered some questions from James about the coaching team, as well as how they planned to operate. What impressed him was that James was very familiar with and fond of the Lakers’ young players. Johnson said that James knew how to help his young teammates improve and better understand the game.

Rob Pelinka, general manager of the Lakers /VCG Photo

When asked about the gossip regarding James interfering with the team's operations, Johnson said that it’s the right move to hear his opinion. Magic explained that he learnt it from Jerry Buss, former boss of the Lakers, who would call him and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for advice when Jerry West wanted to introduce someone new to the team.

On July 1, Pelinka received a message from Rich Paul, James’ agent, saying “Congrats”. A few minutes later, LeBron himself called, according to Pelinka. When the two sides signed the contract, there was no big party. “He (James)'s not looking to celebrate the signing. He's looking to celebrate championships and he made that real clear.”