Rob Pelinka will remain as Lakers president, but with every advantage now at his disposal, he's out of excuses
CBS Sports
by
Sam Quinn
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers' President of Basketball Operations, Rob Pelinka, will retain his role under the new ownership era led by Mark Walter, who purchased the team from the Dodgers. Despite facing criticism for missed opportunities and poor decision-making, Pelinka remains at the helm with a strengthened front office and input from top Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi. The article highlights how Pelinka's cautious approach has often prioritized long-term stability over short-term success, but his decisions have led to repeated failures in building a competitive roster.
A significant turning point came after the 2022 deadline when Pelinka refused to make bold moves, citing reasons like apron restrictions and the need for caution with draft picks. This mindset continued into the 2023 season, where the Lakers missed out on acquiring impactful players despite having opportunities, such as trading for Luka Doncic or Mark Williams. These missed chances have left fans questioning Pelinka's strategy, especially given the team's consistent underperformance and preventable first-round exits in the playoffs.
The article also critiques Pelinka's management of draft picks, pointing out that holding onto selections has not translated into successful player development. Players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Dalton Knecht have struggled, while promising finds like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jay Huff were overlooked. These decisions have contributed to a lack of trust among Lakers fans, who have seen the team's star potential underutilized since the failed Westbrook trade in 2019.
Despite these challenges, Pelinka argues that his approach is aggressive in its own way, emphasizing patience and avoiding short-term fixes. However, critics argue that this strategy has been ineffective, particularly when compared to other teams' more dynamic approaches. The article concludes by noting that while Pelinka's role remains unchanged, the new ownership's support could bring fresh perspectives and resources to turn around the team's fortunes.
Ultimately, the piece underscores the high stakes for the Lakers as they aim to rebuild their roster and regain relevance in the NBA. With a new era of leadership and increased scrutiny on Pelinka's decisions, the success or failure of his continued tenure will hinge on whether he can deliver a championship-contending lineup.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026