Magic upstages Lakers' announcement But when Johnson monopolized the collective attention of Los Angeles and national sports media by accusing Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka of stabbing him in the back, there was little interest in what Vogel had to say in his first official appearance as the team's head coach. Of course Johnson has no official capacity with the Lakers after resigning as the team's president of basketball operations and no obligation to take stock before stepping on Vogel's toes. But he's still arguably the most iconic face of the franchise and a man who expresses his love for the team every chance he gets, even while airing its dirty laundry.