The hapless losing Los Angeles Lakers named Rob Pelinka as the team’s new general manager Tuesday.
The one-time legendary Lakers have now missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons and are currently 19-44, the worst record in the Western Conference.
Pelinka, 47, is a high-powered former sports agent whose clients included retired Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. His hiring was widely expected since owner Jeanie Buss made Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson the team’s new president of basketball operations last month.
“I am beyond grateful to join the Lakers front office,” Pelinka said. “The Lakers are a gold standard for sports franchises in the world, so we all share a responsibility to pursue excellence in everything we do. Excellence is what the Lakers stand for, what Jeanie Buss and Earvin Johnson embody, and what coach (Luke) Walton demands from our players. That obsession for greatness is what will bring Lakers basketball back to a championship level.”
“We have worked closely with Rob for many years and have first-hand experience with his knowledge of the league and the business of basketball,” Buss said. “In our recent discussions, it was clear that he also shares our goal of returning the Lakers to being an elite NBA franchise.”
“Rob’s knowledge of the NBA landscape and the CBA, as well as his relationships with GMs around the league, are invaluable,” Johnson said. “After running a successful sports agency and as someone who truly understands the inner workings of salary caps and player negotiations, he will bring the additional skills and experience needed in the Lakers executive office. Rob is a winner and the Lakers are fortunate to have him.”
The Lakers will introduce their new GM at a press conference on Friday.
Pelinka replaces Mitch Kupchak, who was fired in the purge that saw Johnson take over basketball operations.
— City News Service