Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeannie Buss looked at “several options” when former team president Magic Johnson surprisingly stepped down from his post after the 2018-19 NBA regular season.
Johnson was the main decision-maker of Buss over the past three years. But despite the importance of the role he vacated, Buss decided to replace Johnson after considering her options. In turn, Buss gave more power to general manager Rob Pelinka, who was previously reporting to Johnson.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Buss said that the Lakers will work in a “measured and methodical fashion” in the hopes of making the best moves for the franchise. The Lakers have already a major move this offseason and is expected to become a strong player in free agency and trade market in the offseason.
Pelinka recently filled the coaching vacancy, naming Frank Vogel as the new head coach and Jason Kidd as an assistant coach. The Lakers also got lucky during the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery after securing the fourth pick despite having only the 11th-best odds to win the top pick.
The Lakers will have a chance to add another promising prospect to their young core. The fourth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft could also be used as trade bait, as they are expected to add another superstar to pair up with LeBron James.
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