The Los Angeles Lakers formally introduced Lon Rosen as president of business operations on Tuesday, underscoring that the hire does not alter the team’s chain of command on the basketball side. Speaking at the announcement, Rosen emphasized that general manager Rob Pelinka will continue to oversee all roster-related matters.
“I’m here to run the business,” Rosen said, noting that Pelinka keeps full authority in the front office. Rosen, a long-time Los Angeles Dodgers executive, arrived after Dodgers owner Mark Walter secured majority control of the Lakers earlier this year.
Rosen added that Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi will offer input when asked, but will not supervise basketball operations. His comments mirror Pelinka’s recent explanation that the Lakers plan to deepen their basketball operations staff using the Dodgers’ organizational structure as a model.
Ultimate decision-making power will remain with Pelinka, governor Jeanie Buss, and Walter, Rosen confirmed.
The new business chief also addressed speculation about franchise icon Magic Johnson. Rosen called Johnson a close friend yet clarified that the Hall of Famer has no plans to return to a daily role, describing him simply as “an enthusiastic Lakers supporter.”
The franchise faces a pivotal summer. Los Angeles can clear significant salary-cap space, possesses as many as three tradable first-round picks, and must decide on the futures of restricted free agent Austin Reaves and star forward LeBron James, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Source: Hoops Wire
