It has been more than a week since Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson resigned after two seasons.
With general manager Rob Pelinka currently conducting the coaching search, the ideal situation was to hire Johnson’s replacement first.
As a result, there have been questions about Pelinka’s role moving forward amid conflicting reports regarding his reputation around the league.
However, it appears the Lakers are actually looking for Johnson’s replacement, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic:
"My understanding is that Magic will be replaced at some point… I don't know what that means for Rob Pelinka… I think you need to secure the front office first, and empower those people, and then focus on the coach." @sam_amick with @SedanoESPN on #TheSedanoShow https://t.co/HNMUivowPo
— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) April 19, 2019
Before David Griffin became the New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, he was viewed as a potential candidate, but the Lakers are aiming higher than him, via ESPN Los Angeles:
???? The Lakers are reportedly looking for a replacement for Magic Johnson and could be aiming high for their next president. (via @sam_amick with @SedanoESPN, @KamBrothers & @iamBenLyons)
Full #TheSedanoShow podcast: https://t.co/LHJhN9l3e5 pic.twitter.com/Z3EaxEPTFg
— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) April 19, 2019
Since Johnson’s resignation, the Lakers have stayed quiet. While there are conflicting reports, the hope is they are looking for a new president of basketball operations and preferably an outsider instead of friends.
Heading into Year 2 with LeBron James, the Lakers cannot afford to waste the remainder of his four-year, $154 million deal. Depending on who the Lakers ultimately hire, they can significantly improve the roster with an unexpected lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and $38 million in cap space for free agency.