“They still got some work to do. Obviously I bleed purple and gold, so I want the best for this organization and the franchise… But LeBron and Luka, they still need some more help – Austin’s [Reaves] been great, every year he gets better. We still need a little bit more length, size, athleticism, and need some more scoring off that bench,” Byron Scott said, via Sports Illustrated.

Scott’s comments resonate with the franchise’s fanbase, who are eagerly demanding significant enhancements in the performance of the team’s bench players. This demand arises because it has been the team’s Achilles’ heel. Despite this issue, the team has made minimal efforts to address it, relying heavily on role players to elevate their game from last season.

Unlike previous seasons, the 2024-25 NBA finalists, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, have demonstrated the vital importance of depth on their rosters. Their success underscores that beyond having a star-studded lineup, it is equally essential to have reliable role players who can consistently contribute over the course of a grueling season. Therefore, this remains a necessary task for Rob Pelinka to accomplish.

Despite the challenges, the Lakers have still executed some strategic roster moves, most notably adding a much-needed center to their lineup. Additionally, they have bolstered their bench by re-signing Jaxon Hayes. The anticipated acquisition of Marcus Smart could address Luka Doncic’s call for a fortified defense. Yet, some in the community remain concerned about the void left by Dorian Finney-Smith’s departure.

Marcus Smart’s potential arrival has understandably stirred excitement among fans. Still, his history of injuries raises some eyebrows. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year has managed to play only 54 games over the past two seasons, which is a significant concern. However, should he return to peak condition, Smart may well be the solution to many of the team’s defensive challenges.

“I think it’s just a testament to his championship DNA and character. I think LeBron’s gonna have high expectations for the roster, and we’re gonna do everything we can to meet those. But I also know that, whatever it is, he’s gonna give 100% every night, whether that’s scoring, assisting, defending, rebounding, leading… we know that’s always gonna be 100%, it never wavers,” stated Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka addressed the situation and cleared up any doubts about the veteran’s future with the team. His response came after several reports questioned LeBron’s continuity. In addition, he explained that the roster could still see changes. For that reason, they may add players who can contribute more effectively off the bench. This area was a clear weakness throughout the NBA season.

In addition, the Lakers are still a team under construction. According to Rob Pelinka, they are “trying to build an airplane in the sky.” This confirms what many fans already believe. The team is still adjusting to JJ Redick and their new additions. As a result, next season could show a much more complete version of the Lakers. Pelinka also mentioned they will be looking to add a center, a move could bring more balance and depth to the roster.

Lakers star LeBron James reportedly rules out major career decision for his professional future

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, rumors began circulating about LeBron James potentially considering retirement. However, those claims were quickly shut down by NBA insider Shams Charania, who clarified that the four-time champion has no plans to walk away just yet.

“There’s no expectation for LeBron James to retire. My understanding is that he will at least play another NBA season,” affirmed Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show. He also hinted at what could lie ahead for James in the near future, including where he will likely be playing next season. “Think about next year, 2025-26, it’ll be year 23, that’ll set a record. Year 23 for No. 23. The All-Star game is in Los Angeles, so he could potentially be playing in Los Angeles.”

The lack of quality options at the center position hampered the Lakers all series long, and on Thursday, Pelinka confirmed that addressing it will be one of the franchise’s “primary objectives” this offseason.

“To have a center that was a vertical threat, lob threat, and someone that can protect the interior defensively—I think those would be keys,” Pelinka told reporters. “But there are multiple different types of centers who can be effective in this league. There are also spread centers who can protect the rim. We’ll look at those as well. I wouldn’t want to limit the archetype, but I know we need a big man.”

Pelinka also emphasized the importance of reinforcing the team’s perimeter defense. “We have to solidify the defensive core on the wings. That’s an essential need,” he said. That need was painfully clear against the Timberwolves, who took full advantage of the Lakers’ defensive lapses.

JJ Redick has work to do with Luka Doncic

New Lakers head coach JJ Redick echoed Pelinka’s concerns about the team’s overall conditioning and defensive identity—particularly with superstar Luka Doncic, whose athletic limitations on the defensive end were exploited during the series.

“We have to get in championship shape,” Redick said Thursday, via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “Some players were in phenomenal shape. Others could’ve been in better shape. But collectively, we need to improve.”

Doncic’s defensive shortcomings have long drawn criticism, and they were magnified in the playoff defeat. He suffered a back injury in the first half of Game 5 but returned after the break—clearly not at 100% following a hard fall. Still, questions about his defense persist.

Is Luka Doncic the NBA’s worst defensive star?

That’s the provocative question former NBA player and analyst Kendrick Perkins raised following the Lakers’ elimination. “Luka Doncic is the worst defensive star that we’ve seen in the modern era of basketball. Period,” Perkins said on ESPN.

While harsh, the critique reflects a growing sentiment that Doncic’s offensive brilliance must be balanced with at least competent effort and execution on the defensive end—especially if the Lakers hope to build a legitimate NBA title contender around him.

“In the monthlong process of the Luka Doncic trade discussions, of course, you’re thinking about the players you may possibly have to trade in a deal like that, AD and Max Christie…[But] one of the people I was thinking of the most in my head was just AR, because I knew how close he had gotten to Max and AD and I knew bringing in another primary ball handler would have implications for him,” stated Rob Pelinka on ESPN.

Despite early doubts, Austin Reaves has become one of the top players on the Los Angeles Lakers. He is having the best season of his career averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. That makes him the third-highest scorer on the team, behind only LeBron James and Luka Doncic. In addition, his recent performances have been even more impressive. He has scored 30 or more points in three of his last five games.

After watching their impressive performance, Rob Pelinka shared his take on why the team’s three offensive stars have meshed so well: “My theory is basketball geniuses that love to win, find ways to work and click together…And we knew LeBron was a basketball savant, who wanted to win at the highest level. Obviously, Luka Doncic, a basketball savant, wants to win at the highest level. And AR is coming into his own there. He gets the game, he sees it. He can fit, really, with anybody.”

Austin Reaves receives surprising praise from Western Conference executive

It is just that nobody expected Austin’s level this season. Last season he was just another rotation player who did not stand out much. He even averaged 15.9 points and his place in the team was not completely assured. However, this season everything changed, JJ Redick was able to promote him by exploiting his versatile facet. This has allowed him to have a lot of playing time with two big stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

After Reaves’ level this season, many remember that he was not selected in the draft for the 2021 season. Because of this, a Western Conference executive told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin some surprising words from the Lakers star: “He’s the best undrafted player since Ben Wallace, and that guy’s a Hall of Famer,” ESPN reported.

With this performance, he could be a clear candidate for the NBA most improved player award. However, the final part of the season is still to come. There, a clear candidate could be defined, as Reaves is not alone. Dyson Daniels and Cade Cunningham are also candidates for the award. But if the Lakers star manages to maintain his level, it will be very difficult not to give him the award.

Rob Pelinka has made a career of navigating elite talent—from representing NBA legends as a top agent to crafting championship rosters as a general manager. Today, he stands at the center of one of basketball’s most storied franchises.

With a background in law and a deep understanding of player relations, he has carved out a unique path in sports management. His leadership has not only shaped team identity, but also elevated his profile in league circles.

From big trades to big-picture strategy, his role extends far beyond the court. His net worth reflects years of high-stakes negotiation, brand-building and an unwavering presence at the heart of the Los Angeles Lakers’ legacy.

What is Rob Pelinka’s net worth?

​Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, has an estimated net worth of approximately $25 million, as Celebrity Net Worth reported. His wealth primarily stems from his successful career as a sports agent and team executive.

He represented high-profile players, including Kobe Bryant, and served as the president and CEO of The Landmark Sports Agency, LLC. His ability to negotiate lucrative contracts established him as one of the top agents in the industry.

In 2016, his commissions as a sports agent totaled $13.49 million. In 2017, he was named General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, and under his leadership, the team won the NBA championship in 2020.

That same year, in 2020, he agreed to a four-year contract extension with the popular and successful franchise, keeping him in the role through the 2025–2026 season. So his journey there is far from over.

What is Rob Pelinka’s salary with the Lakers?

While specific details about his current salary have not been publicly disclosed, reports from 2021 indicated that Rob Pelinka was earning an annual salary of approximately $5 million with the Lakers, according to Los Angeles Time.

His experience in negotiating lucrative contracts and his deep knowledge of basketball have been key in bringing in high-level players and adjusting the team’s salary structure.

His continued presence reflects the organization’s trust in his strategic vision and his ability to keep the Lakers at the top of the basketball world. Without a doubt, his management has only improved these aspects within the franchise.

With Doncic onboard, the Lakers have secured a young star to lead the franchise in the post-LeBron James era. However, losing Davis leaves a significant gap in the paint, both offensively and defensively.

At Doncic’s introductory press conference, Pelinka admitted the team needs a big man but noted that the trade market for centers is limited. “We know we have a need for a big,” Pelinka said. “The market for bigs right now, leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline, is very dry. There’s just not a lot available. So maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins”.

Pelinka also suggested that finding a marquee big man may be more realistic during the offseason, with Doncic as the focal point of future team-building efforts.

“I would say, in terms of a big move for that position, it’s probably more realistic that would be something that comes in the offseason,” he added. “But Luka will be at the center of that as we build for the long term”.

Pelinka highlights Doncic’s role in Lakers’ future

Pelinka emphasized that the Lakers are now fully committed to building around Doncic. “Luka and I spent some time yesterday up in my office just talking about the players on our roster that he’s played with and what he sees as short-term and long-term needs,” Pelinka explained.

“Versatility, mobility, a vertical lob threat—I think that’s key to the spacing Luka likes to play with,” he continued. “Those players are hard to find. But we’ll accomplish the task that’s before us. We’ll find a way”.

Lakers and the Walker Kessler situation

One name frequently linked to the Lakers before Davis’ departure was Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. However, Utah’s high asking price has been a significant roadblock, likely explaining why Los Angeles hasn’t made a move.

Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins shared his perspective on the situation during an appearance on Road Trippin’. “If the Lakers don’t make a move and keep this roster, they’re still headed to a second-round exit,” Perkins said. “Now, if the Lakers get the young fella from Utah, now they moving the needle”.

“There’s no player that played as a big of role to our 17th championship than Anthony Davis, who is also a person of incredible high character. Those three guys (Anthony Davis, Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie) are Lakers for life,” stated Rob Pelinka on press conference.

Rob Pelinka emphasized Anthony Davis‘ significance in the Lakers’ recent success, recognizing him as the backbone of the team alongside LeBron James. This 2024-25 season, Davis had emerged as the clear offensive leader, averaging 25.7 points per game while maintaining his defensive dominance. His versatility made him an indispensable force for the Lakers.

Despite Davis’ impact, Pelinka made a bold move for the future, trading him for Luka Doncic. At just 25 years old, Doncic is already an elite scorer, averaging 28.1 points per game, even in a season that is not considered his best. His arrival gives the Lakers a dynamic offensive weapon, but the challenge now falls on head coach JJ Redick. He must craft a system that seamlessly integrates Doncic with LeBron James and Austin Reaves while maintaining defensive stability.

Luka Doncic shares surprising comments after joining the Lakers

After his arrival to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic admitted he initially envisioned spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, emphasizing the importance of loyalty. “I thought I was gonna stay my whole career there. Loyalty is a big word for me.” Despite that, Luka Doncic expressed excitement about his new chapter in Los Angeles: “I got the ocean here. I get to play for the Lakers. Not many get to say that.”

While his time in Dallas defined the early part of his career, Doncic always believed a move to the Lakers was inevitable. “At some point, I always knew this was going to happen.” Now, Doncic has an unique opportunity to share the court with LeBron James while carving out his own legacy with one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

According to The News, Nico Harrison claimed that in a conversation he had with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka more than a month ago, the topic of a possible Luka Doncic trade came up and he confessed to Pelinka’s unexpected reaction: “Then all of a sudden we’re like, ‘Would you ever do this?’… ‘Nah, you’re joking, right?’ Hmm. Interesting. Maybe I would. And then it just built over time over the last three weeks.”

Nico Harrison’s comments in The News confirm that even Rob Pelinka was caught off guard by the Dallas Mavericks’ offer. Luka Doncic was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game this season and was a strong contender for the 2024-25 NBA MVP until an injury sidelined him, preventing him from meeting the required games to remain eligible for the award.

However, Luka Doncic is still recovering from a calf injury suffered on December 25 and, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, could return before the NBA All-Star break. His long-term physical condition remains uncertain, as he was already facing criticism for his durability before the injury, with recurring issues causing him to miss several games each season.

Luka’s injury issues make Rob Pelinka’s gamble a long shot, while Doncic’s talent is undeniable, his ability to stay healthy remains a question mark. However, if the Lakers can get Doncic to stay healthy they will have an offensive leader for several years to come.

Mavs’ GM Nico Harrison confesses the reason why they decided to trade Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison says the fact that Luka Doncic was eligible for a supermax contract and was only a year away from finishing his contract was one of the reasons: “We really feel like we got ahead of what was going to be a tumultuous summer, him being eligible for the supermax and also a year away from him being able to opt out of any contract…and so we really felt like we got out in front of that,” as reported by The Dallas Morning News.

Besides, Harrison stated that some NBA teams were already interested on signing Doncic once he finished his contract with Mavericks and they decided to act: “We know teams, they’ve had it out there, teams have been loading up to try to sign him once that comes available.”

Nico Harrison took a bold gamble, as Anthony Davis brings significant value to the Mavericks, but in the process, they parted ways with a special player who has been an NBA MVP nominee multiple times and consistently performed at an elite level. Moreover, they traded him to a direct Western Conference rival in the Lakers. Only time will tell if Harrison’s bet pays off.

“The one guy I have to shout out because I love watching him play and he does so many things that don’t show up in the box score – that’s Dorian Finney-Smith. DoeDoe is an awesome player who can fit on any team in the NBA, I think he’s incredibly valuable, a great defender, hustles, and makes all the right plays,” affirmed Rob Pelinka.

The addition of Dorian Finney-Smith unquestionably addresses one of the Lakers’ most pressing needs: bolstering their defense, an area in which he is particularly adept. However, his impact extends beyond just defense. Finney-Smith is also a versatile offensive contributor, averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor is evident in his 43.5% shooting from beyond the arc, providing the Lakers with another reliable perimeter option.

In a surprising twist, Dorian Finney-Smith was a teammate of JJ Redick‘s with the Dallas Mavericks in 2021. Now serving as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, Redick shared his excitement about the recent addition. “With this trade, we are thrilled to add the physicality, toughness, and elite shooting that Dorian Finney-Smith will bring to our core. We also greatly value the playmaking of Shake Milton. We are excited for our fans to get both of these players out on the court,” stated Redick.

The Lakers have struggled in recent games due to the absence of a dedicated defensive specialist. The addition of Dorian Finney-Smith now addresses that need, providing a much-needed boost to their defensive rotation. Alongside Finney-Smith, Shake Milton joins the team as a key role player, offering depth off the bench. While Milton’s impact may not be as immediately evident as Finney-Smith’s, his presence adds valuable versatility to the roster, especially over the course of a long and grueling season.

Magic Johnson believes these additions are the perfect solution for the Lakers

Magic Johnson had voiced his concerns about the Lakers on multiple occasions, criticizing the role players for not delivering what the team needed, particularly on the defensive end. However, following the recent additions to the roster, Johnson expressed his satisfaction with the changes. He now believes the team has addressed those key areas and is better equipped to compete moving forward.

“Laker Nation, I am so excited about the trade for Dorian Finney-Smith. He’s an excellent defender and 3-point shooter – just what the Lakers needed!,” stated Magic Johnson who also added “Really good move by Rob Pelinka. The Lakers also acquired Shake Milton!.” With these new additions, the Lakers now have no excuse not to perform at their highest level. The reinforcements come at the perfect time in the season, giving the team a real chance to secure a direct playoff spot.

The Lakers didn’t make many moves during the offseason. In fact, the only addition was Christian Koloko, who joined through a two-way deal, alongside rookie draft picks Bronny James and Dalton Knecht. This is why Snoop Dogg believes the team needs a change, as it’s practically the same roster as the previous season.

“I think we need to make some changes,” Snoop Dogg said during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. “We brought back the exact same team from last year. No disrespect, but that ain’t gonna cut it. We need to make some moves and move some people around… make some adjustments.”

Despite Snoop’s concerns, reports indicate the Lakers are pursuing Jonas Valančiūnas, Washington Wizards center, in hopes of making a trade. Additionally, rumors are circulating that the Lakers might be eyeing free-agent guard Markelle Fultz.

Snoop Dogg calls out Rob Pelinka

Alongside his calls for roster changes, Snoop also directed some criticism at Rob Pelinka, urging him to take action and make the necessary trades. “Come on, man, make some moves, some adjustments,” he said. “There’s people out there that we can have on our squad, and you just gotta make that decision that it’s time to make that move because, as Lakers fans… y’all are on the clock.”

He didn’t stop there, adding, “Y’all got to hurry up before we end up cussing y’all out, going all one like we normally do,” he continued. “Right now we’re on television being very professional, but on Instagram, y’all can get it.”

Lakers insider sees LeBron and Davis’ trade unlikely

Amid the ongoing trade rumors surrounding LeBron James, Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes a trade involving the two superstars is highly unlikely. “It’s highly unlikely. Historically, the Lakers aren’t a franchise that likes to rebuild,” Buha said. “Each year, the objective is the same, no matter how ludicrous it seems from the outside: Win a championship.”

Buha went on to note that both James and Anthony Davis are committed to making things work in Los Angeles. “There is also the matter of what James and Davis want,” he continued. “James just re-signed six months ago. Davis signed an extension last year. Things escalate quickly in the NBA, but indications thus far have been that both superstars want to figure this out and make it work in Los Angeles. Unless that changes, the Lakers aren’t going to decimate their status as one of the more star-friendly organizations in the league by coldly trading James or Davis.”

Pelinka has emphasized the importance of continuity in championship teams, citing examples like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. However, he also acknowledged the need to seek improvements through trades or strategic acquisitions.

In an interview with ESPN 710 Los Angeles, Pelinka said, “Listen, continuity is an ingredient in sports that is always successful. If you look at sustainable championship teams, there is continuity at the center of it. So that’s an ingredient we strive for. That said, we’re not going to settle for continuity without looking for ways to improve our roster. But that will be through a lens of making sure that if we do something, it’s super smart for both the present and the long-term. That’s a tightrope to balance.”

Rob Pelinka has expressed his confidence in the current group of players, highlighting their commitment and dedication. “I think we’ll have a better sense of that after 30 games,” Pelinka said. “But we believe in this group, and the 15 guys who play the games will control the wins and losses with their effort, with how hard we play, with the pride we play with, and how organized and detail-oriented we are. I can’t guarantee wins or losses, but I can guarantee that these guys will bring their best effort. So, the confidence and belief level is high. But the work is never done, and we’ll continue to look for ways to upgrade the roster if we can. That’s part of our job and something we always keep an eye on. But if we have good health and good fortune, I really like our chances.”

The impact of the new CBA on the Lakers’ roster strategy

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has placed financial constraints on NBA teams, making significant roster moves difficult. For this reason, the Lakers are prioritizing continuity and the development of their current players.

Despite the challenges, Pelinka remains optimistic that the Lakers can compete for the championship with their current core. With hard work, dedication, and a little luck, the Lakers could surprise many in the upcoming season.