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The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be interested in a new wing player after its other trade targets, like Jonathan Kuminga, look out of reach.
The Los Angeles Lakers potentially moving on from Rob Pelinka was a hope many fans had from a new President of Business Operarions being named. General Manager Pelinka is a polarizing figure, especially since many blame him for not making enough moves over the past few seasons to contend for a title. The Luka Doncic trade fell into his lap to give the team a new superstar, but most other moves in that time have failed badly.
Fan dreams of new President Lon Rosen removing Pelinka from his role with a strong replacement has officially ended. Rosen spoke to the media and made it clear the Pelinka will make the moves this offseason to remain in the GM spot. An expended front office effort will see Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi contributing, but Pelinka remains the head honcho for basketball decisions.
Rosen’s role with the Los Angeles Dodgers created some excitement from Lakers fans expecting him to shake things up. The Dodgers have won the last two World Series by sparing no expense via adding Shohei Ohtani and many other superstars. However, Rosen plans to keep the Lakers running the same operation with Pelinka deciding the future.
Biggest Offseason Of Rob Pelinka’s Career
Most of the previous offseasons of pressure on Pelinka featured him making obvious moves. No one will question a franchise adding LeBron James when he was still arguably the best player in the league. Pelinka also found situations when he was easily able to acquire superstars Anthony Davis and Doncic via trades.
Other instances of Pelinka taking risks featured moves backfiring, like when he traded for Russell Westbrook to blow up the championship core. Lakers fans have started to grow frustrated with Pelinka making disappointing smaller moves in recent seasons. DeAndre Ayton getting signed as the starting center is this season’s biggest gripe.
Pelinka will have freed up cap space and offers free agents the chance to play alongside Doncic this summer. This summer will likely determine if Pelinka keeps the job longer or if he’s finally replaced if the team fails to contend for an NBA Championship next season.
Lakers Fans Want To Replicate Dodgers Success
The success of Dodgers made Rosen a popular name to Los Angeles sports fans. Rumors of the Lakers making changes in the offseason appear to be untrue now, unless something drastically changes. Pelinka will at least hold the job through this summer and enter next season as the Lakers General Manager.
Rosen was hired for the business side and will see his involvement outside of the front office or coaching staff. Lakers fans expecting big change will not see that coming as fast as they desired, but the pressure could mount faster.
Pelinka will have to deliver by building the perfect roster around Doncic and making big decisions this offseason. Both LeBron and Austin Reaves could be free agents to warrant Pelinka having to decide if they are part of the future. No team has more pressure entering the upcoming offseason more than the Lakers to see Pelinka’s job potentially riding on it.