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Lakers name GM Pelinka VP of basketball operations, reportedly extend him

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Lakers have added vice president of basketball operations to general manager Rob Pelinka's job title, the team announced Friday.

Los Angeles also extended Pelinka's contract, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne report.

The Lakers hired Pelinka as their general manager in March 2017.

Pelinka, who previously represented numerous NBA stars including Kobe Bryant as an agent, played an integral role in negotiating last summer's blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for star big man Anthony Davis.

The 50-year-old also signed LeBron James to a four-year contract in July 2018, a move aided by Magic Johnson's recruiting efforts while the latter was still serving as the team's president of basketball operations.

"I'm extremely pleased with the work Rob has done in order to put this franchise in a position for success," Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. "His strong leadership skills, as well as his commitment to building a winning culture, both on and off the court, have brought us one step closer to being a championship-caliber team and I look forward to our continued work together."

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