LA Lakers Stunned- Magic Johnson Resignes; Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade sign off from NBA

As the regular season approached, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade bade emotional farewells to the NBA on Tuesday (April 9), alongside the resignation of Magic Johnson's plunging the Los Angeles Lakers into fresh turmoil.

Wade, the Miami Heat star, and Nowitzki, beloved Dallas Mavericks forward, both played their final games at home after a combined total of nearly 40 years in the sport.

The last home game of Wade for the Heat had been planned; on the other hand Nowitzki only finally confirmed his exit on Tuesday after 21 seasons with Dallas.

The 40-year old said the team that the he had put them on a hell of a ride with a lot of ups and downs and that the team members always stuck with him and supported him, and he appreciate it.

Holding the sixth rank on the all-time scorers list with more than 31,000 points, the German power forward is the most successful European ever to grace the NBA.

After witnessing Nowitzki become the oldest player to score 30 points in the Mavs' 120-109 defeat of Phoenix, Mark Cuban, Dallas owner, promised the veteran forward that they'll put up the biggest, most badass statue ever.

Similarly, there was a heartfelt send-off in Miami as well, where the Heat were eliminated from playoff contention despite beating the Philadelphia 76ers 122-99.

After securing 30 points in the loss, Wade told the crowd that he loves his fans and thanked them for dancing with him that year. The 37-year-old three-time NBA champion also said that he is thankful for everyone’s patience this year and for the love.

The team of Miami was eliminated after Detroit defeated Memphis 100-93.

At some other place, on Tuesday, the Golden State, who have already locked up top seeding in the Western Conference, suffered a scare when Stephen Curry was withdrawn from his team's 112-103 win against the New Orleans Pelicans with a injured ankle.

When the Western Conference standings ended, however, the Los Angeles Lakers look poised for a chaotic off-season after president of basketball operations Johnson abruptly quit his front office role.

The Lakers have met one disappointment to the next this season despite signing LeBron James last year in a blockbuster move.

Johnson, who has played a pivotal role in persuading James his future laid in Los Angeles, said he was quitting after growing weary of his responsibilities.

By: Preeti Narula

Content: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/basketball/basketball-dwyane-wade-dirk-nowitzki-sign-off-from-nba-magic-johnsons-resignation