Lakers president and controlling owner Jeanie Buss will not hire a replacement for Magic Johnson, who stepped down as president of basketball operations last month, a team source tells ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
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
Zach talks to ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz about the lottery (1:45), Anthony Davis (11:55), Boston's fraught offseason (19:06), other trade targets (35:01), Warriors-Blazers (42:41), and more.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose coast-to-coast rivalry in the 1980s propelled the NBA to a new level of popularity, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 NBA Awards this summer. Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson have been the past two recipients.
Russillo on the Pelicans winning the Zion draft lottery and what it means for Anthony Davis, plus Brian Windhorst stops by and a new edition of "Life Coach."
After a chaotic start to the offseason, the Lakers were one of the big winners in Tuesday's NBA draft lottery, jumping from 11th to fourth overall -- a pick GM Rob Pelinka called "a powerful asset for us."
For Anthony Davis and the Lakers, Knicks and Celtics, what do the lottery results mean?
Possibilities for the Lakers at No. 4: Vanderbilt's 6-3 G Darius Garland, Virginia's 6-8 defensive forward De'Andre Hunter, Texas Tech's 6-6 guard Jarrett Culver and Duke's 6-9 forward Cam Reddish are all considered among the next four prospects after the consensus top three by ESPN's Jonathan Givony.
Frank Vogel on becoming the Lakers new head coach: "I am very excited for this opportunity to join the Lakers, a prestigious organization that I have long admired. I look forward to coaching such phenomenal talent and bringing my strategic vision to the team."
The Lakers officially announce the hiring of Frank Vogel, who will hold his introductory press conference next Monday. GM Rob Pelinka cited how Vogel checks off several "core qualities" that management was looking for. "Coach Vogel has a proven track record of success in the NBA Playoffs," Pelinka said. "And he reflects the core qualities we were looking for in a head coach – including, detailed game preparation, extreme hard work, and holding players accountable to the highest basketball standards."
Since Magic Johnson's sudden resignation on April 9, the Lakers' front office has experienced a whirlwind of activity, including coaching rejections and hires. A look inside the hierarchy reveals who's pulling the strings.
Dr. Judy Seto is returning to the Lakers according to sources. Seto, who was the Lakers' former head physical therapist and worked with Kobe Bryant, has been assisting with Markelle Fultz's recovery.
The Lakers were only average on defense last season. Can Frank Vogel help fix that?
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden State | 57 | 25 | .695 | - | L1 |
| LA Clippers | 48 | 34 | .585 | 9 | W1 |
| Sacramento | 39 | 43 | .476 | 18 | L3 |
| LA Lakers | 37 | 45 | .451 | 20 | L1 |
| Phoenix | 19 | 63 | .232 | 38 | L2 |
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 37 | 45 | .451 |
| 2017-18 | 35 | 47 | .427 |
| 2016-17 | 26 | 56 | .317 |
| 2015-16 | 17 | 65 | .207 |
| 2014-15 | 21 | 61 | .256 |
