Lakers Rumors: Sports agent Rob Pelinka reportedly the ‘front-runner’ to become the Lakers’ new general manager

UPDATE: 3:17 p.m. — Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon may have spilled the beans early for the Lakers. Gordon, who is represented by Pelinka, alluded to his agent becoming the new general manager of the Lakers:

UPDATE: 11:39 a.m. — According to Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical, Pelinka “has emerged as a front-runner to become Lakers GM under Magic Johnson.” Original story follows.

The Los Angeles Lakers moving on from longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak and vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss, with team advisor Magic Johnson stepping into the role of president of basketball operations, means the team will have to fill at least one front office job.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, “one intriguing name to watch with Lakers front office jobs now open is sports agent Rob Pelinka.” Pelinka is best known as Kobe Bryant’s agent, and has represented numerous other Lakers over the years.

The Lakers adding Pelinka to the front office would add to a growing trend of former sports agents becoming NBA management, following in the footsteps of Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem.

It’s unknown what other names the Lakers are considering adding right now, although team president Jeanie Buss said in her statement on the firing that they hoped to add a new GM “in short order.”

Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.