The Lakers’ season so far has been a mixed bag. With a 16-12 record, they’re currently sixth in the Western Conference and riding a three-game win streak after a series of tough losses. While they’re still expected to be contenders, a series of recent events has cast doubt on a key member of their front office.
Buha: Pelinka May Be Fall Guy at Season’s End
On a recent episode of his podcast “Buha’s Block,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha explored the possibility of the Lakers finding a new scapegoat for their struggles in recent seasons. He pointed out how Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham had previously taken the blame for the team’s missteps. Now, Buha suggests that if the Lakers fall out of contention again, the focus might shift to the top of the organization.
“Last season, Darvin Ham was the scapegoat for everything that went wrong. This year, it’s less clear, but I think it’s trending towards Rob Pelinka,” Buha said. “A year or two after the Westbrook era, it was understandable not to have the best roster, but it’s been several years now.”
Since their 2020 NBA championship win, the Lakers have experienced a tumultuous ride, from first-round exits due to injuries to making a strong playoff push in 2023 after a rough start. Rob Pelinka, who has served as General Manager since March 2017, has overseen it all. Many fans had hoped the Lakers’ title success would mark the beginning of sustained success, making the team’s recent struggles all the more disappointing.
“Scapegoat” Argument Holds Up
Rob Pelinka has made several bold moves to improve the Lakers, including the failed Westbrook experiment and hiring first-time head coaches in consecutive seasons. He appeared to believe these decisions would lead to sustained success for the franchise, but so far, that vision has not materialized.
Former Lakers players have often stated that if the 2019-20 roster had stayed intact, the team could have added more championship banners to Crypto.com Arena. To an extent, they have a point. Pelinka’s roster decisions have come under scrutiny, particularly his inability to build a strong supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis since their championship run. Instead of assembling a team capable of contending in the competitive Western Conference, Pelinka’s moves have left the Lakers with holes in key areas. His decisions have also led to the loss of young talent, with players like Alex Caruso flourishing elsewhere after being let go, and former two-way players Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff thriving with the Grizzlies. While rival teams have made significant trades to strengthen their rosters, the Lakers have largely stayed put, with Pelinka repeatedly stating, “You can’t buy a house that’s not for sale,” among other comments about the team’s lack of moves.
As a former agent turned executive, Rob Pelinka has had multiple opportunities to prove himself in charge of the Lakers’ decisions. While the 2020 championship was a significant achievement, he has faced setbacks in several other areas, making this season perhaps the most crucial of his career as general manager. With LeBron James set to turn 40 and Anthony Davis playing at an elite level, Pelinka has the perfect motivation to fully capitalize on their championship window. While some players have emerged as key contributors under head coach Darvin Ham, there is always room for improvement, and it is up to Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to make the most of the coming months to enhance the roster and push for another title.
The Last Word on Rob Pelinka
The Lakers’ decision to remain inactive at this year’s trade deadline could prove costly, especially for Rob Pelinka, whose actions—and occasional inaction—have placed him under scrutiny. As he enters his eighth year as the Lakers’ general manager, Pelinka faces pressure to guide the team back to the league’s top stage. If the Lakers hope to avoid another disappointing season, Pelinka must demonstrate his ability to make impactful moves and address the team’s weaknesses, or he could find himself on the hot seat.