Despite recent struggles and fan criticism, Los Angeles Lakers GM Rob Pelinka remains secure in his role because stakeholders and decision-makers still have confidence in him, given the magnitude of the Luka Doncic trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going through a rough patch after suffering their ninth loss in 14 games, most recently in Portland.
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The team is reportedly looking for a 3-and-D wing to bolster the roster, but some fans have turned their attention to general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.
Pelinka was largely responsible for building the 2025-26 roster around Luka Doncic.
While the blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks gave the Lakers a franchise cornerstone for the next decade and organizational alignment, the first half of the season has highlighted some weaknesses – particularly a lack of athleticism and defensive depth.
Despite the ongoing criticism, NBA reporter Jovan Buha says there's no indication that Pelinka is on a "hot seat."
"What I have heard... Rob has continued to earn, in the eyes of stakeholders and decision-makers, confidence and belief in large part because of the Luka trade and its magnitude," Buha said on his podcast. "He obviously earned a contract extension. And I have not heard any buzz or hot seat with Rob at all. So, I know fans are upset. I know fans want changes. I get it.
"Again, I think pretty much all of the criticism I see and read of the front office is valid and is warranted. I'm just telling you what I'm hearing behind the scenes in terms of their confidence and belief and the security that he has," Buha went on to say.
"I don't think Rob is on the hot seat. I don't think Rob is in jeopardy of losing his job. They signed him to an extension last year."
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Buha added that the new Lakers owner, Mark Walter, signed off on that extension himself, as they were negotiating the sale when it happened. The extension was described as "multi-year."
"There's always a possibility that potentially changes," Buha said. "But I would be pretty surprised. I think Rob's going to be in charge into at least 2027. And then if everything goes wrong, maybe there's a different conversation there.
"But I think this is going to go into at least next season and potentially beyond. And again, based on some of the other reporting that's been out there, could be going into like 2030."
Pelinka joined the Lakers in 2017 as general manager and was promoted to vice president of basketball operations in 2020.
Under his leadership, the Lakers signed LeBron James in 2018, acquired Anthony Davis in 2019, and won the 2020 championship in the Orlando bubble.
While the Lakers are expected to make adjustments in the scouting department and front office, Pelinka's position does not appear to be in jeopardy.
Los Angeles is currently 24–16 on the season and will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
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