New Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have a difficult task ahead of them in turning around this franchise. The Lakers are far away from where they are used to, and both Magic and Pelinka are in brand new roles.
Plenty of people have spoken up for Magic’s ability to turn things around including Miami Heat president Pat Riley, and now the latest to chime in is Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.
According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, Morey believes Magic will fix things in short order:
“With how the team is set up,” Morey said, “I think Magic will get them on the right track pretty shortly.”
Morey also spoke about how Magic and Pelinka coming from different backgrounds could ultimately help them in their new roles, via Medina:
“Rob has so much experience and Magic obviously has been connected through the league. It’s not like they’re walking in cold,” Morey said. “I understand they haven’t had these exact roles before. But given their knowledge of basketball and working continuously in the game, they’re well prepared to take over […] When you come from different backgrounds, sometimes that gives you an edge as you come in a new role,” Morey said. “I like the concept. Magic did the smart thing in pairing up with him. I think it’s going to be a good team.”
The backgrounds of both Magic and Pelinka give them a different viewpoint when it comes to returning the Lakers back to glory, and hopefully, Morey is right in that they can turn things around in short order.
They already have a plan in motion with Pelinka pledging to be aggressive in free agency and improving the talent of this team. There is no question that the Lakers will be one of the most watched teams this offseason.
