The Lakers have announced that Rob Pelinka, their general manager, has signed a contract extension. He has also been promoted to president of basketball operations. Previously, Pelinka was the vice president and general manager for the team.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers team governor, stated that she has depended on Pelinka`s vision and leadership for the past eight seasons. She values their partnership and professionalism, expressing confidence in his ability to build a championship-level team for Los Angeles and Lakers fans worldwide.
This contract extension comes after a significant trade orchestrated by Pelinka just two months prior. He successfully traded for Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick. This trade is considered a major win for the Lakers and positions Dončić as the franchise`s cornerstone for the future. The opportunity arose when Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison approached the Lakers about acquiring Davis, and Pelinka capitalized on it by ensuring the deal remained confidential until completion.
This type of trade is what every NBA executive hopes for. Now, with Dončić, the Lakers are looking towards a strong future, especially as they consider the team`s direction beyond LeBron James` era.
It`s reasonable to think that this extension might not have happened without the Dončić trade. With his previous contract nearing expiration in 2026, uncertainty might have surrounded his future with the Lakers if the season had taken a negative turn. However, with the Dončić acquisition, Pelinka is highly regarded in Los Angeles and has additional resources to continue building the team around Dončić.
Since Pelinka took charge, the Lakers have achieved notable success, including winning the 2020 NBA championship, reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2023, and making playoff appearances five times in the last six years. The addition of Dončić, along with the development of Austin Reaves, who Pelinka signed in 2021, makes the Lakers strong contenders this season. Reaves has shown significant growth and is considered a potential future All-Star.
Pelinka`s new contract ensures he will remain the key decision-maker for the Lakers. His primary focus now is to construct a strong supporting roster around Dončić to compete for championships consistently.
Jasper Hawthorne