The Los Angeles Lakers are charting a course for the future that blends familiar leadership with a fresh infusion of expertise from their new ownership group, the Dodgers. Rob Pelinka will continue to lead basketball operations as general manager, a decision affirmed by recently appointed Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen.
Rosen, speaking to reporters Tuesday, indicated the organization intends to retain Pelinka’s direction, building upon the foundation established since Pelinka’s extension last April, which also granted him the title of president of basketball operations. This continuity comes as Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter integrates elements of the Dodgers’ successful model into the Lakers’ framework.
A key figure in this transition is NBA legend Magic Johnson, who will once again be involved with the Lakers, though not in a formal, titled role this time. Johnson previously served as president of basketball operations alongside Pelinka.
The influence of the Dodgers extends beyond Johnson’s return. Rosen confirmed that Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and special advisor Farhan Zaidi will contribute input to Pelinka, signaling a deliberate effort to leverage the Dodgers’ front-office acumen.
This strategic alignment follows Walter’s acquisition of the Lakers, prompting a deep dive into potential areas for growth and improvement. Pelinka himself acknowledged this shift earlier this month, describing the Dodgers’ organizational structure as a “great sort of example and North Star” for the Lakers’ future development.
“When Mark bought the team, Jeanie and I did a deep dive with him on sort of the areas he wants to grow, move into and get aggressive,” Pelinka said to reporters. “And again, looking at the Dodgers and how they built it out has been a great sort of example and North Star. And so we’re still going through that process of how we’ll look in the offseason and what additions we’ll make. But there will be some positive changes and we will build things out, again, led by myself and Jeanie, and with Mark’s support.”
The Dodgers’ success under Friedman – having reached 100 wins or the World Series in every season since 2017, with three World Series titles – provides a compelling case study for the Lakers. While the nuances of baseball and basketball differ, the principles of effective organizational management are expected to translate.
Lon Rosen’s own history bridges the gap between the two franchises. He previously worked with Magic Johnson as an agent and business partner before joining the Dodgers in 2012, where he served as chief marketing officer. His appointment as Lakers president of business operations underscores Walter’s commitment to integrating the Dodgers’ winning culture into the Lakers organization.
The unfolding changes arrive at a pivotal moment for the Lakers, with LeBron James potentially entering free agency and the possibility of trade discussions surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo looming. The coming offseason promises to be a defining period for the franchise, as it navigates these significant decisions under a restructured leadership model.
The Lakers are aiming to emulate the Dodgers’ success, but acknowledge that a direct translation of strategies may not be possible. The organization is focused on expanding its front office and improving its overall structure, hoping to build a more competitive and sustainable future.
