Rob Pelinka has bought himself time through extending Luka Doncic's stay in Los Angeles. The new deal will be cause for celebration within the Los Angeles Lakers organization. However, Pelinka should understand better than anyone that his job security remains fragile.
The Lakers announced Doncic has committed to a new deal on Saturday. Shams Charania reported the terms of the new contract being a three-year, $165 million agreement.
A press conference was held to celebrate Doncic's decision afterwards. Pelinka, himself, openly admitted the position the franchise is in moving forward.
The Lakers general manager said, "We're in win championship now mode always. ... We've been very intentional with keeping our optionality. ... The optionality is there for us to use now if the right move comes its way. We want to make smart moves."
Rob Pelinka needs to help Luka Doncic deliver an NBA championship
Pelinka masterfully maneuvered the Lakers out of a once bleak position by securing the blockbuster trade for Doncic. The executive was rewarded with a contract extension for his heroics.
However, it was the old regime that handed Pelinka that deal. Everyone knows by now that Mark Walter will be stepping in as the new owner of the Lakers.
Granted, Jeanie Buss is expected to retain her role as governor for at least five years. That should bode well for the Lakers President of Basketball Operations. Despite that, Pelinka is not completely out of the woods.
The man who has already helped build one championship team in Los Angeles has undeniably earned a trial run under new ownership. The expectations will be nothing short of a record-tying 18th banner for the legendary NBA franchise.
Luka Doncic on signing a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers: “I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one. This is an amazing organization, and I truly… pic.twitter.com/N6inw3PZsJ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 2, 2025
Having one of the best players in the league and failing to capitalize on his presence, amid a well-publicized body transformation, is grounds for termination. This is especially true considering the stage in which Doncic's career is in.
Luka just turned 26 years old in February. The new contract extension means committing the best years of his career to the Lakers. A hungry new owner, who worked wonders with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not want to see his fans disappointed during this immense window of opportunity.
For Pelinka, whether fair or unfair, it will not be about what has happened leading up to now. It will be about what happens next. If the answer is not an NBA championship, the alternative will not be a pleasant one.