Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson opens up about Rob Pelinka

(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Former Los Angeles Lakers president, Magic Johnson, was not shy about opening up about his resignation on ESPN’s First Take.

The drama surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers doesn’t look like it will be ending anytime soon. Shortly after the Lakers decided to hire Frank Vogel and got the fourth overall pick in the NBA Lottery and things were looking a bit better, the franchise took another step backward on Monday.

While appearing on ESPN’s First Take, former president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, did not hold back when talking about his decision to leave the Lakers. The rift between him and general manager Rob Pelinka was confirmed by Johnson, who really opened up about the relationship between the two.

When asked if Johnson’s previous backstabbing comments were about anyone besides Pelinka, this is what Johnson had to say via SilverScreenAndRoll.com.

"“No, just Rob. I think that other people didn’t bother me. It’s really funny as I sit here, I don’t worry about those type of things. I’m not a guy who is like ‘oh man, they said this about me and I worry about it. What happened was I wasn’t having fun coming to work anymore. Especially when I’ve got to work beside you, knowing that you want my position. And I’m okay with that. Because this is what happened, Stephen A. I told him in year two, ‘I’m only going to be here three years. So my job, Rob, is to get you ready for this position.’ I was going to help elevate him to the president’s position."

Seeing Johnson open up about believing that Pelinka was backstabbing him was very unsettling to hear. For a team that had the reputation of being dysfunctional, this was certainly not a good look for the organization.

With Johnson gone, it is Pelinka essentially running the show. The Lakers haven’t hired a replacement for Johnson, and it doesn’t appear as they will be. With that being the case, Pelinka is going to be in charge.

Prior to the appearance by Johnson, Pelinka didn’t have the greatest reputation around the league. All of the comments by Johnson certainly don’t help him or the Lakers’ reputation.

After all of the comments made by Johnson, Pelinka and the Lakers will surely be trying to do some damage control. As they hope to sign a max level free agent this summer, the comments made by Johnson certainly do not help that cause.

Considering Johnson had already left the Lakers without notice, him saying all of these things in public does the franchise that he loves no help. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the drama continues.

Schedule