On Tuesday, the Denver Nuggets made the shocking choice to fire head coach Michael Malone with only four games left in the regular season, and the playoffs looming on the near horizon.
So far, it seems like Nikola Jokic did not ask for Malone to be fired, as the two appear to have a positive relationship on and off the court. Malone steered Denver to its only title in 2023, and the firing came as a massive shock.
NBA legend Magic Johnson expressed his opinion about the move on social media.
Johnson briefly worked as an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighted by signing LeBron James in 2018.
He is most well-known for his excellent playing career, spent entirely with the Lakers. Johnson is never one to be negative, although he is often very honest. In the wake of the Malone firing, he gave his thoughts on Twitter.
I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this! First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season, Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’s Taylor Jenkins, get… — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 8, 2025 Johnson is absolutely correct.
From Gregg Popovih’s stroke, the Luka Doncic trade, the resurgence of the Golden State Warriors, and the firing of Jenkins and Malone, this season has been unprecedented and, in some ways, unfortunate like never before.
For Johnson’s peace of mind, the Lakers need to only win one game in order to clinch a spot in the postseason and are expected to take on the Warriors in a marquee first-round matchup, which should serve to grow the game after a tumultuous season.
