On Monday, it was confirmed by the NBA that an investigation was underway to determine whether Johnson had acted illegally with his comments on Ben Simmons.
Before the 76ers defeated the Lakers 143-120 on Sunday night, Johnson gave an interview confirming that the 22-year-old had requested to meet him to get advice about playing as a tall point guard.
He spoke to media after the game and stated that there had been contact from a member of the Australian’s camp, but didn’t go into too much detail.
This led to Brand giving an interview with Philadelphia radio station 97.5 The Fanatic on Monday morning, denying that Simmons was allowed to talk to the Hall of Famer.
Late on Monday night, ESPN reported that Brand had called Johnson to apologise over his comments.
He apparently apologised for insinuating that the Lakers had called to ask permission for Johnson to speak to Simmons.
The Lakers have denied any wrongdoing throughout, insisting that the first move was made by the 76ers.
In a statement, they confirmed that they would have only allowed such a meeting to take place if the 76ers and the league consented to it.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Simmons, who can also play as a power forward, is similar in his style of play to Johnson.
And it is believed that the youngster wanted to ask Johnson for advice in an attempt to learn how to improve.
But the fact that Johnson is the Lakers president, coupled with the fact that Los Angeles is looking for a second star to team up with LeBron James, led many to believe that there was a more suspicious reason to the call.
Simmons also shares an agent with LeBron James, and some suggested that he has his eyes set on a potential future move to the Lakers.
Brand confirmed earlier on Monday to ESPN that there was no doubt in his mind as to where Simmons’ future was.
“I have a great relationship with Ben and [his agent] Rich [Paul] and we expect him to be a Sixer for a long time,” he said.
“He has taken interest in chatting with some of the game’s all-time greats and we’re supportive.
“I had brief dialogue with Rob Pelinka, who I’ve known for a long time, but nothing is planned.
“Our collective focus is on making a postseason push. Again, we’re not sweating this – end of story.”