When Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss made the decision to shake up the front office by firing her brother, Jim Buss, as well as longtime general manager Mitch Kupchack, she simultaneously elevated Magic Johnson into a role as president of basketball operations.
Buss empowered Johnson to make all decision pertaining to that side of the franchise, while her focus, as it had been, was to remain in business dealings. Shortly after installing Johnson as the head of the front office, Buss then hired Rob Pelinka to handle GM duties.
After two years, Johnson’s and Pelinka’s time together came to an abrupt end.