Yesterday, it was reported that Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers requested to speak to Magic Johnson for some advice on being a big point guard in the NBA. Magic explained that he'd be happy to but the Sixers would have to approve of it first. In the end, Philly general manager Elton Brand said no and Simmons didn't get his meeting. In the aftermath, the NBA is now investigating both teams for tampering.
In order to stoke the flames of the tampering investigation, the Lakers issued a statement on Monday.
Via ESPN:
"To clarify, last November the 76ers sent an email to the Lakers asking if Ben Simmons would be able to speak with Magic Johnson about his Hall of Fame playing career. After receiving the email request from the 76ers, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka contacted 76ers General Manager Elton Brand and informed him that Magic could only do so if the 76ers gave him pre-written approval. That was the end of the matter."
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Brand also reached out to Johnson late yesterday to apologize and make sure that his comments weren't taken the wrong way. The 76ers GM has reiterated that his relationship with Simmons is a healthy one and that he's confident that Ben will resign with the 76ers when his rookie contract expires.
