In the NBA, change often comes from the top down. When a new owner takes over, or opts for a major shake-up, it’s typically the front office that first experiences a personnel shift. Instead of hanging on to the old regime, incoming owners usually prefer to start fresh with their own picks for various roles.
For the Lakers, these are the things we can expect after their latest sale to co-owners Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. While no replacements have yet been announced, many insiders are skeptical about Rob Pelinka’s future with the organization. According to one report that came out this week, the Lakers’ Vice President is not nearly as safe as he was under Jeanie Buss’ tenure.
“Having talked to some folks, my understanding is that Pelinka and company are excited about this, and they think that it’s a good thing this has gone the way that it has,” said Pete Zayas on Lakers Collective. “I do think he’s less safe than he was, but I don’t think we should underestimate his ability to survive and ingratiate himself. Whether it was Kobe or Jeanie, the people who he worked for all swore by him in ways that didn’t always resonate with the fans. But at Iger’s age, I think he’s gonna want to hit the ground running as much as possible, and that’s gonna be with his people. So, Pelinka’s gonna have to make himself one of Iger’s people very quickly.”
Rob Pelinka was hired as GM back in 2017, replacing Mitch Kupchak. It was his direct links to Kobe Bryant that got him the job, and he eventually earned the full trust of the then-Lakers owner, Jeanie Buss. He has been in the role ever since, achieving varying degrees of success over the years.
Behind the scenes, Pelinka has had almost total autonomy to make decisions and carry out his vision for the team. He helped orchestrate the LeBron James signing in 2018 and played a leading role in the acquisition of Luka Doncic years later. He also signed Russell Westbrook and famously broke up the 2020 championship roster. Today, while his job performance is debated amongst Lakers fans, there’s no question that he’s been the one calling the shots on their best and worst decisions.
For now, no firings are imminent for the Lakers, at least not until the minority owner situation is resolved. Only then, when the drama is over, will the new owners step in and evaluate the scene. While Pelinka is excited for this next chapter, the Lakers may very well proceed without him if they have someone else in mind. Who that someone might be is anyone’s guess, but they could have some ties to the Dodgers if recent reports are to be believed.
For now, there’s nothing left for the Lakers to do but wait. As the executive drama drags on with the Buss family, the new owners still have the long work of finalizing the sale and starting the long transition process. Either way, a decision on Pelinka will have to be made at some point, and it could determine their trajectory for the next few years to come.
