With stewardship over the Los Angeles Lakers changing hands from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger so quickly, there were plenty of concerns about the implications that could have on the franchise. In particular, the biggest among them had to do with what it all meant for the front office.
Lakers insiders like Dan Woike, Jovan Buha, and others were discussing the idea of a hiring freeze. Considering Los Angeles was in the midst of searching for another assistant general manager for Rob Pelinka, that much was bad news. Thankfully for fans of the franchise, the talks of no one coming to fill the job were greatly overstated. Shams Charania reported a new hire on Wednesday.
According to Charania, the Lakers are bringing in Miami Heat vice president of player personnel Eric Amsler to join the staff in Los Angeles. This now completes the duo expected to support Pelinka. Amsler joins Rohan Ramadas, who was hired in late May to join the franchise.
Many were quick to point out the Heat connection with this latest addition for the Lakers. Kushner was a minority owner with Miami before teaming up with Iger to buy majority control of Los Angeles. Perhaps Amsler made a strong impression that helped pave the way for his new role with the Lakers.
Hiring Eric Amsler dispels concerns about limbo phase for the Lakers
Amsler coming in will quickly quiet the idea of this transition period going from Walter to Kushner and Iger being a wash for the Lakers. The franchise is still moving forward despite the unforeseen quick turnaround between owners. General progress is not being halted, and that is a good thing.
The Lakers needed to equip Pelinka with more support in the front office. The team president has proven to have his moments of great competency, but has also shown himself to be capable of making a mess when given too much unchecked freedom over decisions.
Having both Ramadas and Amsler beside him will allow Pelinka to run the order of operations with two capable backers. Getting someone extra resources and help at their job is never a bad thing.
It comes at a crucial time for the Lakers, who are trying to make a contending push around Luka Doncic in the immediate future. Amsler can aid Pelinka in identifying the type of players who are built to play with the Slovenian superstar, and get the team closer to a championship.
This is another crucial offseason victory for the Lakers. The move should offer reassurance about just how aggressive the franchise can still be despite the ongoing changes.
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