Newly Introduced Lakers GM Pelinka Vows To Turn Around Franchise

After being introduced on Friday, new Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said that the position "was a 'true calling' while vowing to be 'aggressive' in helping the struggling franchise return to prominence after falling to its lowest period in history." Pelinka: "We are going to deliver on [Lakers President Jeanie Buss'] challenge to us all to make the Lakers the greatest sports franchise in the world. That will happen." Former NBAer Kobe Bryant, who was Pelinka's client as an agent, made his "first public appearance around the Lakers since scoring 60 points in his final game last April" (ESPN.com, 3/10). With Bryant, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and three members of the Buss family in attendance, Pelinka "gave a message every bit as big as the star power around him." Pelinka: "This L.A. platform and this Lakers brand, the Buss family and legacy of winning cannot be replicated" (L.A. TIMES, 3/11).