Los Angeles Lakers: 3 biggest problems to fix this summer
3. Everyone needs to get on the same page in the Front Office
Magic was happyKurt Rambis was back in the Lakers front office. Fans? Not so much. But he has been in an out of the Lakers organization along with his wife (she has worked for the Lakers for 40 years) so it brings stability.
It seems that the Kobe Bryant influence is bigger than almost anyone else. Bryant is a supporter of his former agent, Rob Pelinka. Thus, Jeanie Buss is relying on her longtime relationships while still talking to Magic Johnson behind the scenes.
When Magic Johnson went on First Take Monday, he just straightened out everyone on why he left the Lakers organization. There will be fall out, but they can move forward.
Jeanie needs to meet with LeBron James and forge a relationship much as she has with Kobe and she needs to start now.
Next, Pelinka has to come out publicly and talk more about the direction of the organization if he is indeed in charge of the purple and gold ship. Pelinka seems to be all-in to make sure he is successful in Los Angeles. He left his lucrative sports agency to make history, he wants to make history, but he will have to bring the front office together, it cannot be broken.
The Lakers will not be hiring a new President to replace Magic, so a cohesive front office is on the shoulders of Pelinka and Buss. If the two show solidarity and get everyone to align with them and the vision for the season, whatever it is, then things will work out. Without a cohesive, one-message front office, things will continue to go awry.
Hopefully, the Lakers can move forward without Magic. Pelinka had this to say about Magic in Monday’s Vogel press conference and wants to work it out with him, “He’s an unbelievable person to work with, he fills the room with joy and vision, and truly it’s saddening and disheartening to think he believes things are a misperception – I look forward to the opportunity to talk with him and sit down with him and work through them just like in any relationship because they are simply not true.”
Let’s be honest, once the Lakers start winning, no one will be ragging on the front office. And Magic will be around to enjoy it and take some credit for it, as well he should. Don’t forget the Lakers have cap space.