The Los Angeles Lakers have a clear vision for their future on the floor with plans to build around perennial MVP candidate Luka Doncic for the long-term, and the team announced the same type of commitment with regards to its front office on Tuesday, February 24.
The Buss family sold a controlling stake in what is arguably the NBA‘s premier franchise to Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation last summer. Since then, Walter has brought with him some new voices to help guide the organization’s future.
That said, the Lakers are sticking with Rob Pelinka as their general manager and vice president of basketball operations moving forward.
“In a conversation with reporters, new Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen says the plan is for Rob Pelinka, with input from Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, will continue to handle basketball operations,” Dan Woike of The Athletic reported via X. “Pelinka told reporters the plan is to have an expanded front office this summer.”
This summer will be a big one for the Lakers, as four-time MVP LeBron James‘ contract is up, while budding star Austin Reaves can (and is expected to) opt out of his contract in search of a max deal.
The general consensus around the league is that the Lakers will bring Reaves back as Doncic’s sidekick on offense, while James is likely to play elsewhere if he doesn’t retire ahead of his age-42 campaign.
L.A. will also be hunting 3-and-D wings as well as big men who serve as rim protectors on defense and lob threats on offense, both of which suit the pairing of Doncic and Reaves in ideal fashion.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.