The Lakers aren't in the NBA playoffs, and yet they can't seem to stay out of the news.
They made another appearance Friday with the announcement that they have decided not to fill Magic Johnson's recently-vacated position as Director of Basketball Operations.
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 (@ramonashelburne) May 17, 2019
Instead, general manager Rob Pelinka -- who had previously reported to Johnson -- will now report directly to ownership.
The Warriors -- who most definitely are still alive in the postseason -- could benefit directly as a result of the Lakers' decision.
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After Johnson resigned from his position, there was rampant speculation that the Lakers might target Warriors general manager Bob Myers to replace him. If Los Angeles has indeed chosen to go without a Director of Basketball Ops, that would seem to rule out such a possibility.
Or, it's always possible the Lakers already reached out to Myers, and he did not give them the response they were hoping for.
Ultimately, it was always going to take a monumental offer to pry Myers -- who grew up a Warriors fan in northern California -- away from Golden State. Whether or not any offers have been exchanged, it appears you can count on him remaining with the Dubs, at least for the time being.
