Magic Johnson’s abrupt departure from the Los Angeles Lakers just before the team’s final home game of the regular season was the start of an offseason that has been nothing short of bizarre for one of the league’s most high-profile organizations. Johnson abruptly quit in April, saying he wasn’t happy with his situation, and promptly began tweeting his thoughts about everything around the league. He did so without telling team ownership or executives, summoning the media in an elongated pregame press conference that shocked the NBA world.
The weeks since have seen the Lakers part ways a coach and struggle to find a new one — overtures to Tyronn Lue fell through and the team quickly settled on Frank Vogel to coach LeBron James and company next season. But the organization that is apparently fine with keeping Johnson’s presidency unfilled as it moves forward.
On Friday afternoon, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers would not be filling Johnson’s vacated position with the team, which is intriguing to say the least.
The Lakers have decided they will not hire a President of Basketball Operations to replace Magic Johnson, a team source told ESPN.
General manager Rob Pelinka will continue in his role, reporting directly to ownership. Pelinka had previously reported to Johnson
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 17, 2019
There were already reports that Kurt Rambis was essentially acting as team president since Johnson stepped down, but it appears that the official title will not be given to anyone with the club. The decision could be taken in any number of ways, but those frustrated by the steps the organization has taken in the last month or so are unlikely to be satisfied by this report.
Players have expressed their frustration as well, though anonymously, but the strange offseason certainly continues for the Lakers here. Perhaps all will be fixed in free agency, though, if the right players still hope Los Angeles is interested in their services.
