NBA clears Lakers, Johnson after brief tampering investigation

LOS ANGELES — After a brief investigation, the NBA has determined there was no improper communication between the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, and that Magic Johnson’s comments before Sunday’s game between the two teams did not constitute tampering.

“The Philadelphia 76ers initiated the contact with the Los Angeles Lakers by requesting a meeting between Johnson and Simmons,” the league’s news release said Tuesday. “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.”

The NBA’s statement matches one the Lakers released on Monday afternoon, which said the 76ers had asked for the meeting in an email sent in November, and then Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka called 76ers general manager Elton Brand. The Lakers’ statement said Pelinka told Brand he would need written permission from the 76ers in order for that meeting to proceed.

A person familiar with the meeting told The Times that Pelinka let Brand know he wasn’t comfortable with the request, and that Brand declined to provide written permission.

The source also said the communication originally came from Allen Lumpkin, the 76ers director of basketball administration. Lumpkin’s duties include player development.