Magic Johnson makes bold prediction for Lakers’ Rob Pelinka, sounds off on team’s offseason

While Magic Johnson is no longer a part of the Los Angeles Lakers front office, it appears there's no shortage of appreciation from the NBA legend for his former counterpart, Rob Pelinka. Johnson spoke with Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times recently about numerous topics, including his being a part of the buying group of the Washington Commanders.

Not surprisingly, another topic that came up was the Lakers and specifically their offseason moves and the job Pelinka has done. Johnson offered the highest praise to Pelinka, stating that was the "No. 1 GM in the NBA this offseason" while proceeding to predict that he'll be executive of the year.

"I think he followed it up with another outstanding job, first from the trade deadline and then he kept it going in the summer. He did better than anybody in the summer. All the moves he made, he was the No. 1 GM in the NBA this offseason. No question about it. All the guys that we signed will help LeBron and the other guys because now we are deeper. Rob is going to be executive of the year." Johnson told the Los Angeles Times.

Johnson's love for his former franchise bleeds through in the biggest of ways, and it's obvious he thinks highly of Pelinka and the roster the team has put together heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, which has been echoed by many analysts as well. The Lakers have an exceptionally high ceiling, and if LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the group can build off last year's run to the Western Conference Finals, they could absolutely be in the mix to win another title in the very near future.