It has been an eventful eight years for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, who managed to survive early controversies and power struggles within the franchise to eventually win the trust of owner Jeanie Buss, win the signature of LeBron James on a free-agent contract in 2018 and win a championship with the Lakers in the NBA's Covid-induced bubble during the 2020 Finals.
Even with that one ring, though, there is a sense that the Lakers have underachieved in the past eight seasons, and that Pelinka's front office has been too flighty in picking players, coaches and directions. The Lakers have had four coaches in the past seven years, and for a franchise that has had James and at least one other Hall of Famer on the roster at all times during the last five seasons, the results have been uninspiring: three first-round playoff losses, and just one conference finals appearance.
With the Lakers being sold from the Buss family to investor Mark Walter, Pelinka is losing one key ally at Crypto.com Arena. And on Sunday, with James opting into the final year of his contract as his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement indicating James might seek to end his NBA career elsewhere, it seems Pelinka is losing Paul and James as allies, too.
"If the new owner comes in and the first thing Pelinka has to do is trade LeBron, that means he is on the hot seat," one NBA execurtive said. "Immediately, if that's your first move. 'Hi Mr. Walter, welcome to the Lakers, I just traded LeBron James.' How do you think that's going to go over?
"But if LeBron says, 'OK, I am staying put, but I want changes,' the change is not going to be getting rid of LeBron's guy, (coach) JJ Redick. The change is going to be (Pelinka)."
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The Lakers are likely already off to an inauspicious start in free agency, as reports suggest that the team will lose wing Dorian Finney-Smith, the player Pelinka acquired from the Nets in December for a package that included three second-round picks.
The Lakers badly need a center, after bungling a trade at the February deadline that would have brought in Charlotte's Mark Williams. Thy could inspire some enthusaism by landing one--or both--of young big men Deandre Ayton or Day'Ron Sharpe. Or they could inspire angst by landing a retread like Brook Lopez or Clint Capela.
Or, Pelinka could push his chips in the middle and try to find a blockbuster trade for the expiring contracts and 2031 first-rounder he can put on the table.
Either way, the pressure is building in L.A. Whether James stays or goes, Pelinka might not be around much longer.