The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a period of significant change, but one constant remains: Rob Pelinka is staying put as the general manager. Despite some fans questioning his recent moves, Pelinka, who crafted the roster that clinched the 2020 NBA championship, continues to hold the reins.
With Tim Harris stepping down as president of business operations, Lon Rosen steps in, bringing a fresh yet familiar face to the Lakers' front office. Rosen, who previously worked with the franchise, delivered the news about Pelinka’s continued role. "I just run the business side, Rob's empowered to do what he does," Rosen explained, emphasizing the collaborative environment with Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi lending their expertise from the Dodgers.
The Lakers' front office has seen a shake-up since Mark Walter, the Dodgers' owner since 2012, acquired a majority stake in 2025. With Friedman and Zaidi joining the Lakers' efforts, the hope is to inject some of the Dodgers' winning formula into the Purple and Gold.
Adding to the intrigue, Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend both on and off the court, will maintain a connection to the team. While not involved in day-to-day operations, Johnson’s influence and passion for the Lakers remain undeniable.
"Earvin's involved with all types of things," Rosen noted, highlighting Johnson’s diverse ventures. "He's a super Laker fan and he'll continue to be a super Laker fan."
Rosen, once Johnson's agent, has a long history with both him and Walter. Their collaboration with the Dodgers has been a resounding success, with the team securing three World Series titles in recent years. Now, they aim to replicate that success with the Lakers, blending their expertise and passion to bring the team back to championship glory.