The power structure in Los Angeles is shifting. But Rob Pelinka is staying put… for now.
According to reporting from The Athletic’s Dan Woike, new president of business operations Lon Rosen confirmed that Pelinka will continue leading basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The development comes amid ownership changes led by Mark Walter, a move that had fueled speculation about potential front office upheaval.
Pelinka has been part of the organization since 2017, when he was named general manager alongside Magic Johnson.
In April 2024, he signed a contract extension and was elevated to president of basketball operations. That move reinforced his authority, yet Rosen’s hiring reopened questions about whether a new ownership group would install its own basketball executive.
The answer, at least for now, is continuity.
“In a conversation with reporters, new Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen says the plan is for Rob Pelinka, with input from Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, will continue to handle basketball operations…
2026 Lakers: Stability over shakeup
Woike reported that Rosen told media members that Pelinka will remain in charge, with input from Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Pelinka also stated that the Lakers plan to expand their front office this summer.
The Dodgers comparison is not incidental. Under Walter’s ownership since 2012, Friedman has led baseball operations since 2015 and manager Dave Roberts has been in place since 2016.
During that span, the Dodgers have reached the postseason every year since 2016, made five World Series appearances, and won multiple championships, according to official MLB records.
Executive stability has defined Walter’s sports model. The Lakers appear to be applying that same philosophy instead of initiating a leadership reset.
“Pelinka told reporters the plan is to have an expanded front office this summer…
Magic Johnson’s renewed involvement
“The plan is for Rob Pelinka… to continue to handle basketball operations,” Woike summarized from Rosen’s comments.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Magic Johnson will be involved in the front office without holding a formal title. Johnson, now a business partner of Walter, previously served as vice president of basketball operations from 2017 to 2019 before stepping down publicly.
That history adds nuance. Johnson once accused Pelinka of “backstabbing” him upon his resignation. However, after the 2020 NBA Championship, Pelinka reached out to Johnson, and both sides acknowledged improved relations.
Johnson’s presence, even informally, signals alignment rather than division.
A different tone from previous seasons
In recent years, the Lakers experienced coaching turnover and roster reshuffling. Last summer, both Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick signed multi-year extensions. The message was long-term planning rather than reactive decision-making.
Ownership transitions across the NBA often lead to swift basketball leadership changes. That has not happened here. Pelinka remains responsible for roster construction, trades, and free agency strategy as the Lakers attempt to reestablish themselves as Western Conference contenders.
The upcoming offseason will offer a clearer picture of how this expanded leadership structure functions. For now, the Lakers are betting that the architect of their 2020 title can guide them back to championship relevance.
Sources: Reporting from The Athletic (Dan Woike) and ESPN (Dave McMenamin). Postseason and championship data verified through official MLB and NBA historical records.
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