Johnson set to focus on other ventures.
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson has announced that he will no longer be part of ESPN’s NBA coverage ahead of the new season.
A five-time NBA champion, three-time MVP and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Johnson joined the ESPN network back in 2008 and has appeared as a studio and game analyst ever since.
However, due to other commitments including his part ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as various other businesses including movie theatres, a production company and restaurants, he has revealed that he feels he would not have been able to focus on his network role.
“I love ESPN. Unfortunately, due to the nature of my schedule and other commitments, I don’t feel confident that I can continue to devote the time needed to thrive in my role,” Johnson said in a statement as reported by ESPN.
“I will always feel a strong connection to the ESPN family and I enjoyed working with them very much.”
Executive vice president, John Wildhack, thanked Johnson for all his contributions during his time with the network and revealed that they are in the process of choosing individuals for their NBA commentator roles for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doug Collins will appear as an analyst on various NBA shows across the year, although he had been expected to work alongside Johnson as opposed to replacing him.
In addition, long-time NBA and college basketball analyst and sideline reporter, Doris Burke, is expected to appear on the “NBA Countdown” show one day per week.
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