The Los Angeles Lakers are not just a team that attracts stars; they are built on the belief that they need them. It is not something that is optional or occasional, it is fundamental to who they are as a franchise.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka knows that better than anyone. Dan Woike reported on The Zach Lowe Show that Pelinka is “always big-game hunting.”
Pelinka's strategy has become a mindset
Big-game hunting defines how the Lakers operate in every season, every trade window, and every moment of uncertainty. Even now, with LeBron James still on the roster, the front office is not standing still. They are looking for the next name that can light up the marquee.
Lakers' current situation is revealing
LeBron opted into the final year of his contract, locking in $52.6 million for 2025–26. But the Lakers’ focus does not seem to be on making one last run. It is on what, and who, comes next.
This is a front office that does not dwell on the present. It reloads and does not like to settle. Last season’s stunning acquisition of Luka Doncic was a reminder that no move is too bold, and there is no name too big out there for them. The Lakers will always throw themselves into the race for the next elite player. Whether it is to pair with LeBron, or replace him entirely, the pursuit never stops.
Lakers have always had the big names around the league
This is not just a Pelinka thing; it is a Lakers thing. From Wilt Chamberlain to Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant to LeBron James, the franchise has always been powered by superstars.
It is definitely part of their identity. Draft picks come and go. Rotations shift. But the Lakers are at their most comfortable when they are chasing greatness.
That is why even the idea of trading James does not send shockwaves throughout the organization. For this team, the question has never been, “Do we have a star?” It is always, “Can we get a bigger one?”
Whether it is a blockbuster trade this summer or another seismic move next year, one thing is clear: Rob Pelinka is never satisfied with what he has. He is not managing a normal roster; he is constantly hunting for the next big name for the franchise. Because in L.A., stars are not just the goal; they are the standard.