As the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to chart a new course around Luka Doncic, not everyone behind the scenes is convinced the franchise is equipped to capitalize on the moment.
One former Lakers scout, who previously worked closely with the front office, believes the biggest obstacle isn’t talent, it’s trust in leadership.
“Having worked with Rob before, I just don’t trust him at all to build a team that can win a championship in the Luka era,” the former scout told Lakers Daily. “They have to find a new basketball exec if they want to win a ring with Luka. I hope Magic has told Mark that.
“This year’s roster is so poorly constructed around Luka, LeBron and Austin. It makes my eyes hurt. Rob just doesn’t know how to build a contender. And he’s saving cap space and draft picks for 2026 and 2027 instead of trying to trade for two-ways guys this season when Luka, LeBron and Austin are playing so well? Sounds like the Rob I know.
“The guy says he only trades for difference makers, but he doesn’t know what a difference maker is. If he did, the Lakers would have had Myles and Buddy next to LeBron and AD in 2023 and probably won the title.”
That reference dates back to a long-debated opportunity involving Russell Westbrook, when Los Angeles could have acquired Myles Turner and Buddy Hield from Indiana.
Pelinka ultimately declined, unwilling to part with future first-round picks, a decision ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on in 2022.
Fast forward to now, and the numbers paint a concerning picture. The Lakers rank 21st in defensive rating, 28th in three-point percentage, and dead last in bench scoring.
Whether Pelinka makes a significant move this season remains to be seen. But as the Luka Doncic era unfolds, voices from inside the organization’s past are growing louder, and less confident, that the current approach is enough to deliver another banner in Los Angeles.
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