Lakers hire Kobe Bryant's former agent, Rob Pelinka, as new GM
Los Angeles Lakers (19-39) has appointed Rob Pelinka, the former agent of retired legend Kobe Bryant, as the new general manager, per reports. Earlier on Tuesday, the Lakers cleaned up its front office, firing long-time GM Mitch Kupchak before appointing Magic Johnson as the new President of Basketball Operations.
Jim Buss, co-owner of the Lakers, stepped aside to make way for Johnson. During his introductory interview, Johnson said that he wanted a general manager with an intimate knowledge of the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). “I want a (general manager) who understands the CBA, but also understands our team and wants to be here. And that also knows players, knows agents, because we're going to need all of that on his resume when he comes to work here," the former five-time champion told Spectrum SportsNet (via Real GM).
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical, the Lakers had initially targeted Golden State Warriors manager Bob Myers, who recently signed an extension with the Bay Area franchise. "Myers has had a spectacular run as Warriors GM, and prior to the overhaul of the Lakers’ front office, Myers was the Lakers’ top target for GM, league sources said. The Lakers didn’t have confidence that Myers would be willing to push for his Warriors exit – especially after a new contract extension – to join them," league sources said.
Rob Pelinka still represents a host of NBA players
Pelinka represented Bryant for many years before becoming the agent of players such as James Harden, Eric Gordon, Chris Bosh, Avery Bradley, Trevor Ariza and Andre Iguodala. Gordon, who joined the Rockets in free agency last summer, told ESPN's Calvin Watkins that the Lakers made a sound choice. "I think he's going to be good (as Lakers GM). He had a good reputation as an agent and definitely expect nothing but good things from him. It's a different challenge and I think he'll be just fine."
Meanwhile, Magic Johnson is already taking phone calls on trades and plans to be extremely actively ahead of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. "It's a dream come true to return to the Lakers as president of basketball operations working closely with Jeanie Buss and the Buss family. Since 1979, I've been a part of the Laker Nation and I'm passionate about this organization. I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court. We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions," Johnson said via a statement. There's still no official word from Rob Pelinka.
