Today, the Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced head coach Frank Vogel. It was also the same day Magic Johnson went on First Take to explain what went down in his two years in the Lakers front office.
One thing Magic Johnson pointed out today on First Take is the fact that he felt backstabbed by Rob Pelinka despite his loyalty.
I started hearing 'Magic, you're not working hard enough. Magic's not in the office.'
"So people around the Laker office was telling me Rob was saying things and I didn't like those things being said behind my back that I wasn't in the office enough.
"So I started getting calls from my friends outside of basketball saying those things now were said to them outside of basketball. Now, not just the Lakers' office anymore. Now it's in the media and so on.
"People got to remember something. I've been in this business for over 40 years. I've got allies. I've got friends everywhere.
A few hours later, Rob Pelinka was asked about Magic's comments at the Frank Vogel introductory press conference and this is what he had to say:
"These things are surprising to hear and disheartening. … They’re just simply not true. I stand beside him. I stand with him as a colleague and a partner. I’ve always supported everything he’s done and will continue to."
Pelinka went on to say that he and Magic Johnson just spoke a few days ago and was disappointed to hear that he felt that way. He looks forward to talk to Magic again to discuss the problems that he layed out.
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