Rob Pelinka Officially Announced as Los Angeles Lakers GM

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Rob Pelinka as their new general manager Tuesday.

The team made his hiring official two weeks after Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported the sides were working toward a multiyear deal.

Pelinka said the following regarding his new role in the press release:

"

I am beyond grateful to join the Lakers front office. The Lakers are a gold standard for sports franchises in the world, so we all share a responsibility to pursue excellence in everything we do. Excellence is what the Lakers stands for, what [Lakers Governor] Jeanie Buss and [President of Basketball Operations] Earvin Johnson embody, and what Coach [Luke] Walton demands from our players. That obsession for greatness is what will bring Lakers basketball back to a championship level. With Jeanie and Magic guiding the vision, I am thrilled to help architect the future. I am really excited to get to work.

"

The Lakers' new general manager is best known as Kobe Bryant's longtime agent, although he has also represented the likes of James Harden, Andre Iguodala and Chris Bosh.

Bryant offered his thoughts on the Lakers' hire:

Buss suggested the organization's familiarity with Pelinka will help the Lakers return to prominence:

"

We have worked closely with Rob for many years and have first-hand experience with his knowledge of the league and the business of basketball. In our recent discussions, it was clear that he also shares our goal of returning the Lakers to being an elite NBA franchise. Together with Earvin and Coach Walton, I believe we are in a great position to bring winning basketball back to the Lakers.

"

Although Pelinka has never worked in a front office capacity, he has been involved in basketball for much of his life, as he played guard at the University of Michigan and was part of its 1989 national championship team.

Pelinka will join forces with a former Michigan State standout in Johnson, and Magic believes Pelinka's time as an agent will prove useful:

"

Rob's knowledge of the NBA landscape and the [collective bargaining agreement], as well as his relationships with GMs around the league, are invaluable. After running a successful sports agency and as someone who truly understands the inner workings of salary caps and player negotiations, he will bring the additional skills and experience needed in the Lakers executive office. Rob is a winner and the Lakers are fortunate to have him.

"

On Feb. 21, Buss announced the dismissal of longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak and that her brother Jim Buss would no longer serve as executive vice president of basketball operations.

She also elevated Johnson from adviser to his current role.

Pelinka marks the Lakers' first new general manager since Kupchak assumed the role during the 1994-95 season.

Los Angeles is last in the Western Conference with a record of 19-44, although it does have two more victories than it had in all of 2015-16.