Lakers Rumors: Team has Magic Johnson replacement lined up

Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors will gain some people’s interest, as they reportedly have a replacement for Magic Johnson already lined up.

There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors dominating the headlines in recent weeks. Despite not qualifying for the postseason for the sixth straight year, they stole headlines right before the playoffs began.

On the final night of the regular season, Magic Johnson shocked the basketball world by resigning as president of basketball operations. Days later, Luke Walton and the organization agreed to mutually part ways and Walton was quickly signed by the Sacramento Kings.

This decision sent shockwaves not only throughout the Lakers‘ fan base but the NBA world as well. Rob Pelinka was the last man standing, with Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis reportedly running the organization.

It is a dynamic that has everyone shocked. The organization seems to be doing everything backward, as they are interviewing head coaching candidates but have yet to really discuss the role that Johnson vacated.

When the news first broke, it was reported that Pelinka would have even more power. Pelinka was also the person running the search for a new head coach.

From an outsider’s perspective, this process makes little sense. No one is going to want to take over as president of basketball operations with a general manager already in place with a head coach that he handpicked. However, that may not actually be the case.

Earlier this week, Colin Cowherd, on his radio show, revealed that the Lakers actually have a replacement for Johnson lined up. Not only that, he is currently running things from behind the scenes as his current employer is still playing in the postseason.

"“They are communicating with him and he is OKing all these moves,” Cowherd said of Johnson’s mystery replacement. “He is not currently in the Laker building. He’s currently running another team that’s in the playoffs. It could be a handful of people. It could be a Michael Winger with the Los Angeles Clippers, Bob Myers with Golden State, young smart guy in Toronto. There’s a couple other guys out there.”"

Los Angeles is reportedly aiming high for their president of basketball operations, but all of the big names have been shot down thus far.

Jerry West reportedly has not even been reached out to by the organization. Pat Riley is also on their wish list, but Stephen A. Smith doesn’t believe it will happen.

Despite the current dysfunction, the Lakers are still a very desirable landing spot for people. This is one of the most recognizable franchises in the world. There is immense pressure to succeed, but the resources are there to have sustained success if given the chance.