LA Lakers will not replace Magic Johnson with new president
Saturday 18 May 2019 08:17, UK
The Los Angeles Lakers will not hire a president of basketball operations to replace Magic Johnson, ESPN reported on Friday.
Per the report, general manager Rob Pelinka will remain in his role and report directly to owner Jeanie Buss, after previously reporting to Johnson.
The report added that Buss considered various options, including replacing Johnson, but decided to rely on Pelinka. Kurt Rambis will remain as a special adviser.
Johnson abruptly resigned on April 9, minutes before the team's regular-season finale, saying he had not told anyone - including Buss, with whom he is close - about his decision in advance.
The decision stunned star forward LeBron James, along with the rest of the team.
Buss, the controlling owner and team president, issued a statement at the time saying the team would "work in a measured and methodical fashion to make the right moves for the future of our organisation."
Pelinka, 49, was an agent for many years - representing Kobe Bryant, among many others - before the Lakers hired him in February 2017, when he was brought in with Johnson to replace former general manager Mitch Kupchak. His contract has three years remaining.
