Rob Pelinka's new role causes Harden, Ariza, and Gordon to find new agent

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Just days ago, Rob Pelinka was in full agent mode, joining James Harden at All Star weekend appearances, congratulating Eric Gordon moments after his 3-point contest victory.

By Tuesday, he was no longer their agent. Pelinka, who has represented many top players including the Rockets' Harden, Gordon and Trevor Ariza, had told his clients he would join Magic Johnson with the Lakers as general manager.

Gordon and Ariza believed Pelinka, a former guard on Michigan's Fab Five team, would be as successful on the other side of the table as he was as their agent.

"He is going to be Lakers GM over there," Gordon said. "I think he's going to be good. He had a good reputation as an agent. I definitely expect nothing but good things from him. It's a different challenge. I think he's going to be just fine. He knows basketball for sure.

"All of us, as far as me, James and Trevor, we were kind of surprised. He said it happened quickly. We were all surprised."

Harden was given Tuesday off after the All Star weekend and was unavailable for comment. But Ariza also thought the Lakers will make a strong addition to the front office once the move becomes official.

"If that does happen and he gets that job, I think he'll be unbelievable in that role," Ariza said. "He knows basketball. He has a really, really good eye for talent. And he knows team chemistry. If anybody can put together a team he will be one of those ... people that can do a really good job in that position."

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looks downcourt during the third quarter of an NBA game at the Toyota Center, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in Houston. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) looks downcourt during the third quarter of an NBA game at the Toyota Center, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, in Houston. ( Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Rob Pelinka's new role causes Harden, Ariza, and Gordon to find new agent 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Pelinka's move does mean his clients will have to choose a new agent. Harden is signed for three more years, the third at his option. Gordon also has three seasons after this season on his contract. Ariza, a former Lakers player, is signed through the 2017-18 season.

"I'm just worried about what we're doing here right now at this time," Ariza said. "I have no interest in what's going on ... but what we have to accomplish. It's getting closer to playoff time for us. We all have to be locked in and dialed in to what we're doing here. That's my main concern."

Gordon also was not worried about representation. He laughed easily when told his phone will start ringing with agents ready with recruiting pitches. But Gordon had just signed last July, giving him time before he and anyone he chooses as an agent face that decision again.

"Good thing I'm not a young guy too much now," Gordon said. "There's not rush to anything. I'm here for four years so I don't have to worry about much now. Stuff like that, you don't have to worry too much about."