A very peculiar choice of words from Rob Pelinka at the press conference to celebrate the new Luka Doncic extension has left little room for doubt about what the plan looks like from here. The Los Angeles Lakers will be searching for a new co-star to pair with the superstar point guard.
On Saturday, Doncic re-upped with the Lakers. The Slovenian superstar signed a three-year, $165 million agreement to extend his stay in Los Angeles. That same day was when Pelinka hinted as to why the franchise has been prioritizing their financial flexibility.
"Make no mistakes, we're in win championship now mode always," the Lakers general manager told reporters. "I don't wanna bore people with apron talk, ... but in the new system that we're in, having optionality is key to building teams. ... [It] is there for us to use now if the right move comes."
Pelinka said the Lakers want to make smart moves. Being flexible, over being stuck, was something the Lakers president described as 'really promising' for how the team will be built moving forward.
Lakers' priorities indicating what comes next after Luka Doncic extension
Flexibility allows room for Pelinka to be opportunistic. That is a major takeaway that can be found in the comments made by the front office executive.
It even gives more context to the earlier reporters in this offseason that surrounded LeBron James. The aging superstar was rumored to be viewed as an expiring contract.
James is certainly someone that has proven capable of continuing to deliver at an elite level. However, no one is disillusioned with the fact that LeBron will be 41 years old before the calendar year shifts to 2026.
Pelinka stated at the press conference that conversations with James and Rich Paul had been 'positive and supportive.' The Lakers general manager even left the door open for the all-time great to retire in Los Angeles. However, it is obvious LeBron is no longer the main priority for the team.
Rob Pelinka:
"All the interactions we've had with LeBron and his camp Rich in particular have been positive and supportive. We want to respect his ability to come up with his timetable. If he had a chance to retire a Laker that would be great" pic.twitter.com/riOhSo5jv8
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) August 2, 2025
Doncic is assuming that spot at the forefront. The Lakers superstar guard is entering the peak years of his career and will need to be properly supported to achieve the championship dreams many are discussing.
James is certainly more than capable of being what Doncic needs right now. However, the Lakers sure sound like an organization who are about to go chasing stars once more to ensure there is a long-term answer to who backs Luka after LeBron is no longer able.