The Lakers are not hiring a new president of basketball operations to replace Magic Johnson.
Los Angeles has decided to allow general manager Rob Pelinka to take over Johnson's role, according to an ESPN report.
The Lakers have decided they will not hire a President of Basketball Operations to replace Magic Johnson, a team source told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 17, 2019
General manager Rob Pelinka will continue in his role, reporting directly to ownership. Pelinka had previously reported to Johnson
Pelinka, longtime agent of Kobe Bryant, was hired as the general manager alongside Johnson in 2017. He signed a five-year deal with the team.
Johnson, a former Lakers star, called an impromptu meeting at the Staples Center in April to announce he was stepping down from his front office position. He cited maintaining a strong relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss as a major factor in his decision.
“I think that with (Jeanie) and I, I want to always preserve my relationship with her,” Johnson said. “And I think I had more fun when I was able to be the big brother and ambassador.”
The Lakers have the No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, and they will look to rebound from a 37-45 season where they missed the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season.
