The more things change, the more they stay the same…sort of.
Lon Rosen, the Lakers’ newest President of Business Operations, held a press conference Tuesday afternoon, providing clarity on the front office’s future and Rob Pelinka’s status.
Lakers’ Lon Rosen Comments on Pelinka’s Future, Magic’s Return
Pelinka Isn’t Leaving
In remarks captured by The Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner, Rosen confirmed that, as expected, Pelinka will stay as the president of basketball operations under Mark Walter’s leadership, and the front office will look to expand and take some cues from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers’ top executives—team president Andrew Friedman and special adviser Farhan Zaidi—have already begun assisting the purple and gold.
“Rob’s empowered to do what he does … And he’s talked about it and I can talk about it. Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, they have involvement helping Rob a bit. It gives you a deeper bench, and I think Rob appreciates that. And it is unique. But they have a skill set that they can transfer some of it here. And that’s really how we look at it. Look, I have a really good relationship with Rob. I’ve known Rob Pelinka from when he was representing Kobe (Bryant). I met him many many years ago.”
Here’s my current thinking, and I’ve gone so up and down with Rob, but what I feel is right: the org is getting more professional, and the expectations are going to increase. Rob has earned the right to meet those expectations and I think that’s how it should play out
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) February 25, 2026
Btw I’m not shocked at the Rob Pelinka news.
I told everyone he will be the Lakers GM next season and this summer. I feel for Luka and Reaves.
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) February 25, 2026
Rob and Magic Running It Back
While Pelinka’s good standing comes as no surprise, what fans may not have expected was the reported return of Magic Johnson, the franchise icon and one-time President of Basketball Operations for the Lakers from February 2017 to April 2019. Johnson will not have a formal title this time around, according to Rosen, who added:
“Earvin’s involved with all types of things. He owns football teams, baseball teams, soccer teams, insurance companies, a lot of things. He’s always gonna have some type of involvement with all the teams, but he is not gonna have a day-to-day involvement (with the Lakers).”
Rosen noted that Johnson will be involved in any potential transactions, but rather that “he’ll continue to be a super Laker fan.” Considering the many polarizing decisions Johnson made while at the helm of the Lakers front office, it’s probably for the best that he’s an unofficial sounding board this time around.
Another Crucial Offseason in Luka-LeBron Era
The latest iteration of the Lakers’ front office comes just in time for another key summer building around Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and (presumably) LeBron James. There’s no shortage of routes this team could take to supply a city of stars with an A-list supporting cast. An “all-out pursuit” of Giannis Antetokounmpo is bolder this time around (especially considering how they robbed the Mavericks blind). Investing in high-quality 3-and-D wings and athletic centers is another (and arguably more sane) option, depending on how they utilize the significant projected cap space.
I think I’ve been clear about my feelings on the Lakers’ front office. But there’s no excuse now. Gifted Luka on a silver platter. Have every imaginable financial advantage now. Three FRPs and $50 million in cap space. Anything less than title contention next year is a failure. https://t.co/lnEXF45Ga9
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 25, 2026
The Lakers’ offseason moves have come under heavy scrutiny for years now. That pressure will only increase under a new owner, one who’s looking to translate championship-level success from the diamond to the hardwood.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
