Magic Johnson shocked the world last night when he announced his abrupt decision to step down as Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations.
Almost immediately after the announcement, speculation began about who would fill his shoes. The obvious choice to many was former Cavaliers general manager David Griffin, who was at the helm for Cleveland’s 2016 NBA Championship season. LeBron’s public support for Griffin after his contract wasn’t renewed in 2017 only adds to the reasons why folks believe he should lead the Lakers.
It’s with all this in mind that we should consider the latest odds from Bovada on who will run the Lakers, with Griffin as the betting favorite at +175. But perhaps the most interesting thing is who is right behind him in the odds: Kobe Bryant +200.
Who will be the next President of Basketball Operations for the L.A. Lakers?
David Griffin +175
Kobe Bryant +200
Jerry West +375
Pat Riley +900
Masai Ujiri +1000
Phil Jackson +1000
LaVar Ball +100000
Although Bryant himself has stated multiple times that he doesn’t want to work in basketball operations, there is also the Lakers myth-making that cast him as the mastermind behind Jeanie Buss finally deciding to fire her brother Jim.
So if it is indeed true that Bryant yields such influence within the Buss family, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine him working his way into an official position.
