According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, a day before the NBA postseason begins, the Los Angeles Lakers have taken care of business and have signed general manager Rob Pelinka to a new contract extension.

However, beyond just operating the front office, he will assume the role of president of basketball operations. A huge promotion after hiring head coach JJ Redick and landing acclaimed superstar Luka Doncic in the same season.

“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere.”  

Pelinka has been with the Los Angeles organization since 2017, the same year they hired Magic Johnson. When Magic left in 2019, Pelinka assumed all responsibility of being the top decision-maker.

At this time, it is unclear how long the extension was signed for.

The rivalry is still alive and well with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA have released the numbers for this past Saturday’s spectacle and it was the highest game in seven years.

Quick note, this was the highest viewed game excluding Christmas Day games.

Saturday’s game saw an average of 4.61 million viewers and peaked at 5.3 million viewers.

This game saw Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take on LeBron James and Luka Doncic; two of the league’s best duos currently.

Despite Los Angeles losing, LeBron and Luka combined for 56 points, 22 rebounds, and 12 assists.

Fans saw Tatum and Brown counteract that with 71 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.

A very incredible, historic night for a historic rivalry.

According to the Los Angeles Lakers, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron James is out for at least the next week or two after suffering a strained groin.

The injury occurred midway through the fourth quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics. After sustaining the injury, James was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

For Los Angeles fans, LeBron says this injury isn’t as severe as his 2018 groin injury, which cost him multiple weeks of playing time.

LeBron’s Lakers are 40-22 on the season, with them holding the 2nd seed in the West.