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EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have named Rob Pelinka as General Manager, it was announced today.

Pelinka, 47, joins the Lakers after spending the greater part of two decades representing many of the NBA’s top talent.  During his tenure as an agent, Pelinka was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 10 Sports Agents in the World.  In his role, Pelinka will report to Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss and President of Basketball Operations, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

“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,” said Buss.  “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.”

“Rob’s knowledge of the NBA landscape and the CBA, as well as his relationships with GMs around the league, are invaluable,” said Johnson. “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.”

The Lake Forest, Illinois native earned his B.B.A. from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with high honors in 1993, before receiving his J.D., Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 1996. While at Michigan, Pelinka earned a 1989 National Championship as a member of the Wolverines basketball team and also took part in three NCAA Final Fours (1989, 1992 &amp; 1993).

“I am beyond grateful to join the Lakers front office,” said Pelinka.  “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 Jeanie Buss and Earvin Johnson embody, and what Coach 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.”

lakers-name-rob-pelinka-general-manager

Lakers Name Rob Pelinka General Manager

NEW YORK, April 24, 2012 –  The Lakers' Metta World Peace has been
suspended for seven games without pay for striking the Thunder's James
Harden in the head with his elbow, the NBA announced today.

The incident, which resulted in a Flagrant Foul Two and ejection, occurred
with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 114-106 victory
over the Thunder on April 22 at Staples Center.

“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by
violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head
area," NBA Commissioner David Stern said. "We remain committed to taking
necessary measures to protect the safety of  NBA players, including the
imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court
altercations."

The suspension will begin with the Lakers’ next game at Sacramento on April
26.  The remaining games of the suspension will be served over the next six
games in which the player is eligible and physically able to play,
including this season’s playoffs.

LAKERS STATEMENT REGARDING NBA ANNOUNCEMENT OF SUSPENSION OF METTA WORLD PEACE

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have issued the following statement from General Manager Mitch Kupchak following the NBA’s announcement of the suspension of Metta World Peace:

“Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers.  Still, his most recent lapse in judgement is not to be condoned or accepted.  His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team as well.  While we accept the league’s decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court.”

metta-world-peace-suspended-7-games

Metta World Peace Suspended 7 Games

Game Time Update: The start time for the preseason game on 10/15 at Crypto.com Arena has been moved to 4pm PT