After Magic Johnson abruptly left Lakers front office prior to the team’s season finale the Lakers have some sorting out to do within the organization. However, It seems as though one decision is made and general manager Rob Pelinka will be still on board.
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Pelinka will stay with the team.
The team is still assessing Johnson’s decision, but general manager Rob Pelinka will stay in his job, and, if anything, his power will grow, sources told Shelburne.
With Johnson’s departure, many were looking at a potential clean slate for the front office but by the sounds of this report, there will be one less spot to fill. At this time the team may want some continuity and keeping Pelinka in the picture would offer that.
Johnson acted as the president of basketball operations so if Pelinka were to move up within the organization that would be the next logical position for him.
Pelinka and Johnson were brought in together but according to Johnson, the two did not meet prior to forming the front office tandem. But it was speculated that Johnson wanted to fire both Pelinka and head coach Luke Walton.
Following the tumultuous season that the team just went through and the perception around the league of Pelinka, this may not be the best move in the post-Johnson era.
