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Magic Johnson resignation causes turmoil
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Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki bade emotional farewells to the NBA on Tuesday as the regular season neared its finale with Magic Johnson’s resignation plunging the Los Angeles Lakers into fresh turmoil.
Miami Heat star Wade and beloved Dallas Mavericks forward Nowitzki both played their final games at home after a combined total of nearly 40 years in the sport. While Wade’s last home game for the Heat had been planned, Nowitzki only finally confirmed his exit on Tuesday after 21 seasons with Dallas.
“As you guys might expect, this is my last home game,” Nowitzki said. “I’ve put you guys on a hell of a ride with a lot of ups and downs and you guys always stuck with me and supported me, and I appreciate it.”
The German power forward is the most successful European ever to grace the NBA, ranking sixth on the all-time scorers list with more than 31,000 points.
There was also a heartfelt sendoff in Miami, where the Heat were eliminated from playoff contention despite beating the Philadelphia 76ers 122-99.
“I love y’all, man,” Wade told the crowd after scoring 30 points in the loss. “I thank you guys for dancing with me this year. I thank y’all for your patience this year. I thank y’all for the love.”
Miami were eliminated after Detroit defeated Memphis 100-93. Elsewhere, Golden State suffered a scare when Stephen Curry was withdrawn from his team’s 112-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans with a sprained ankle. At the other end of the Western Conference standings, however, the Los Angeles Lakers look poised for a chaotic off-season after president of basketball operations Johnson abruptly quit his front office role.
Johnson said he had not enjoyed the process of hiring and firing personnel.
“I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and the ambassador to everybody,” he said. “I had more fun on the other side than on this side.”
Johnson also hinted he was uncomfortable about the prospect of sacking coach Luke Walton after the season.
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