Lakers trying to change their dysfunctional image Throughout the press conference, Pelinka (and Vogel) spoke of the positive direction he believes the franchise is headed. With the absence of Johnson, whom Pelinka said held "ultimate basketball decision-making authority," Pelinka is now tasked with building a roster around an aging LeBron James. The Lakers see themselves as big-time players on the free-agent market, but why would a star player want to come to a franchise that has exhibited such a high level of dysfunction throughout the year?