When the Los Angeles Lakers chased Mark Williams last season, it felt like a turning point was close. Nearly a year later, the vision still looks unfinished. The defense remains a liability, and there is no consistent shooting punch to mask it. It’s improbable to win without a complete roster. That job resides with Rob Pelinka, whose tenure has come under increasing scrutiny since 2020.

The Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations has done a splendid job of acquiring players to build around. But a former scout doesn’t think his talents extend to actually placing the right set of players around them.

“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,” the scout told Lakers Daily.

“He’s saving cap space and draft picks for 2026 and 2027 instead of trying to trade for two-way guys this season when Luka, LeBron, and Austin are playing so well? Sounds like the Rob I know.”

Since having a role in assembling a team in 2017, Pelinka has added one championship to the Lakers. Since that triumphant run, the Lakers have been to the conference finals only once. Pelinka showcased his acumen by bringing Luka Doncic, a star for the future. However, his tenure has been rather underwhelming.

Notably, he disbanded the Lakers’ 2020 championship-winning team without ever giving them a chance to run it back. On his way out, Anthony Davis asked for some moves from the front office.  Nearly two seasons later, the Lakers are still stuck in that limbo.

The Lakers appear to have the major boxes ticked, yet until those few crucial moves are made, they can never really sniff another championship in the near future.

“They have to find a new basketball exec if they want to win a ring with Luka. I hope Magic [Johnson] has told Mark [Walter] that,” the scout commented.

The Lakers are primed for a fresh start. LeBron James is in the last year of his contract. That will open up some flexibility for Pelinka to make moves. Jeanie Buss, the current governor, hopes that he can redeem himself next summer, as she has a lot of faith in his abilities.

Rob Pelinka has to show results for Jeanie Buss’ trust

Despite an underwhelming tenure, Rob Pelinka secured an extension with the Lakers only last season. This was before Mark Walter acquired the team. However, it’s important to note that although the controlling owner, he still trusts Jeanie Buss to lead the Lakers, backing her family’s fabulous history with the franchise.

And Buss trusts Pelinka to lead the Lakers into a new dawn.

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“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization. I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere,” she said, announcing his extension.

Well, believing and executing happen to be the opposite ends of a spectrum. Walter has varied experience in leading sports franchises to glory. He understands how critical it is to have a sound mind that aligns with the vision of a team to build an appropriate foundation. Rob Pelinka has done the hard part, assembling the Lakers with a breathtaking core of Doncic, James, and even Austin Reaves.

His policy of trading for ‘difference makers’ has led to some prolific personalities coming to LA. But not all difference makers carry a glittering resume. A player’s impact is the greatest measure in evaluating their fit within a team. So, although Pelinka has the support from Buss right now, he needs to deliver in the next few years.

Luka Doncic is magnetic to the point that he will cultivate success. But if Pelinka can’t build around his qualities and capitalize on his acquisition, then what was the point of the blockbuster trade in the first place? Results will create job security for the Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations.

But can he do so without losing Walter’s trust? As of right now, it seems the TWG Global CEO is content with having Rob Pelinka manage the roster. Yet, there won’t be a lot of recoil if Walter decides to go in another direction soon.