NEW YORK – The NBA has released the following statement regarding the potential contact between Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers President, Basketball Operations, and Philadelphia 76ers player, Ben Simmons:

“We have concluded that Magic Johnson’s statements regarding Ben Simmons do not constitute a tampering violation.  The Philadelphia 76ers initiated the contact with the Los Angeles Lakers by requesting a meeting between Johnson and Simmons.  Both organizations ultimately concluded that such a meeting did not make sense at this time but in that context, Johnson’s response to a media inquiry regarding Simmons does not run afoul of league rules.”