West, Kupchak Are Promoted

Jerry West, formerly general manager, has been promoted to Laker executive vice president of basketball operations and Mitch Kupchak, former assistant general manager, has been promoted to general manager.

West, who had been the Lakers’ general manager since 1982, will continue to be responsible for the club’s basketball operations and will continue to handle trades, contract negotiations and scouting.

Kupchak, who had been contacted by other NBA teams seeking a general manager, signed a contract extension.