Deposed GM Kupchak thanks Lakers for 36 years

Change was long overdue, but that doesn't make it less jarring to see the Los Angeles Lakers organization without Mitch Kupchak in its ranks.

Kupchak was relieved of his duties Tuesday as part of Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson's dramatic front office takeover. That ended Kupchak's 17-year run as GM and his nearly four-decade relationship with the historic franchise.

He released a statement Wednesday through Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:

I would like to thank the Buss family for 36 incredible years. In particular I would like to acknowledge Dr. Buss who brought me here as a player in 1981. I also want to thank every Laker player, coach and staff member with whom I have worked and who supported me through the good times and the very few not so good times. I am most disappointed that I won't have the opportunity to continue to work with Luke and watch this young and talented team grow and eventually win in the Lakers tradition. Finally, my best wishes to Earvin Johnson and the Laker organization going forward.

The Lakers won five titles under Kupchak's watch dating back to 2000. He will reportedly be succeeded by Kobe Bryant's player agent, Rob Pelinka.