Lon Rosen Affirms Rob Pelinka Will Keep Top Basketball Job With Lakers
SLUG: lon-rosen-affirms-rob-pelinka-will-keep-top-basketball-job-with-lakers
LOS ANGELES — Newly appointed Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen said Tuesday that Rob Pelinka will remain president of basketball operations and general manager, emphasizing that Pelinka will continue to steer roster decisions as the franchise heads into a pivotal offseason.
Rosen, 67, met with a small group of reporters in Los Angeles for his first public comments since owner Mark Walter hired him last week to replace longtime business chief Tim Harris. Walter, who closed a $10 billion purchase of the Lakers in October, also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Rosen has served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer since 2012.
“My responsibility is the business side,” Rosen said, adding that Pelinka will “call the shots” on basketball matters. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and special adviser Farhan Zaidi, Rosen noted, will offer occasional support to Pelinka, giving the Lakers what he described as “a deeper bench” of decision-makers.
Continuity Across Two Franchises
Rosen, whose first job out of college was a Lakers internship before spending decades as Magic Johnson’s agent, becomes the highest-profile executive to work across Walter’s NBA and MLB properties. He said he will still handle select duties with the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers but will devote “the majority” of his time to the Lakers.
Drawing parallels between the Dodgers and Lakers, Rosen pointed to the record price Walter paid for the NBA club as proof that “things are going well.” He described the Lakers as “a very successful group” and said any future changes would build on an already strong foundation.
Magic Johnson’s Role Remains Informal
Asked about Johnson — the Hall of Famer who left the Lakers’ front office alongside Pelinka in 2019 — Rosen said his longtime friend will stay close to the franchise as a fan but will have no day-to-day responsibilities. Johnson recently hosted the halftime ceremony honoring Pat Riley during Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, which Rosen cited as the type of appearance fans can expect.
Arena, Broadcast Deals to Stay Intact
Rosen endorsed keeping the team at Crypto.com Arena, the downtown venue opened in 1999 as Staples Center, calling it “a very efficient building” that consistently sells out. He also backed the club’s television partnership with Spectrum SportsNet, noting that both the Lakers and Dodgers enjoy strong relationships with the network.
Global Growth Around Luka Doncic
With 26-year-old superstar Luka Doncic entering the prime of his career, Rosen sees significant international business upside for the Lakers, comparing the potential impact to the buzz Shohei Ohtani has generated since joining the Dodgers. The Lakers must decide this summer how best to surround Doncic with championship-caliber talent.
Rosen reiterated that Pelinka will lead that process, supported by an expanded advisory group but retaining final authority on basketball moves.
Source: ESPN
