The Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is in a dire situation. Following the Lakers’ early exit from the first round of the playoffs last season, all fingers pointed at the front office. Fans strongly believe the debacle has everything to do with the managing authority. So Pelinka & Co. took strict measures by dismissing Darvin Ham as head coach. J.J. Redick was the replacement. With no major signings and trades, will the unchanged roster fare better in the upcoming season?
Fans have been consistently skeptical throughout. However, they were still hopeful about having new faces in the team. In reality, the Lakers had several big names they wanted to pursue. Despite this, nothing fruitful came from talking with Klay Thompson who rejected Pelinka & Co. for the Mavs. Therefore, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James were the only additions to the team’s roster. Rumors also suggested that Rob Pelinka had six major signings in hand but each one of them failed. Thus the disappointing off-season ventures have caught Rob Pelinka in the crossfire. Fans are suggesting various ways to hold the GM accountable, in hopes of improving his performance.
So, recently former President, Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in a debate. This was a part of their election campaign. You may wonder how’s this related to the Lakers or Rob Pelinka. Well, Donald Trump mentioned something about having a “Concept of a plan.” This was enough to trigger the Lakers fans who now want Pelinka to unveil his concept of plans if he has any.
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The national media asking Rob Pelinka if he is going to make a single free agency move this offseason: https://t.co/BjMt9cLoOs
— 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕟 🍊🎆 (@BlockedByBrink) September 11, 2024
What’s your reaction?
Did Rob Pelinka just get caught in the Trump crossfire? React!
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The point the supporters are raising in the comments is that if Mr.Trump, with an uncertain election campaign, can have a plan ready for when he wins, then why can’t Rob Pelinka have the same?
Lakers fans question Rob Pelinka’s upcoming moves after a disappointing offseason
Is LeBron James the only key for the Los Angeles Lakers? In the present scenario, this might be the case. This is either due to other teams not being willing to work with the Lakers or Pelinka himself not being able to close the deal. So as of now, James, at 40 is the only and best deal for the purple and gold. The team truly lacks a clear plan. If nothing is done before training camp begins later in September, the roster will repeat itself. Does this prove that Rob Pelinka isn’t doing a great task as the ringmaster? Well, we’ll leave this to the fans to judge.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Rob Pelinka's leadership in jeopardy after the Trump-related controversy? Lakers fans, what's your take?
Have an interesting take?
“Concepts of a plan” has my TL filled with tweets of pictures of failed GMs and coaches.
This an example of proper, productive groupthink!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) September 11, 2024
Meanwhile, questions regarding the coach swap also prevail among fans. Can the 40YO J.J. Redick become the key to the Lakers’ lost glam? Currently, no such promises can be guaranteed by the management. Given the fact that Redick has no prior experience in coaching, skepticism passively fumes in the fan community. Therefore, a lot of supporters assume (could be a taunt too!) that maybe instead of Rob Pelinka, J.J. Redick might have a concrete plan for the team to rise from the ashes.
"I have concepts of a plan" pic.twitter.com/XOsc07h3Y9
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 11, 2024
Since the Lakers’ downfall after their 2020 win, the devotees of the team haven’t seen Rob Pelinka with respect. What we mean to say is, that almost everyone blames him for the drastic degradation in performance. Especially with unnecessary and failed trades and replacements, the winning team’s dynamics shifted. Kyle Kuzma, Dwight Howard, and others left, but something went missing with the team. Therefore, some supporters have stopped believing in anything Pelinka has to say. Some call him a liar, while others use harsher words.
Rob Pelinka and Trump are the same type of liar
— Juan 🇸🇻 (@LOLL________) September 11, 2024
Lebron James and Anthony Davis might be the only players fans can rely on. Therefore, they’re sarcastically asking Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to talk about Rob Pelinka doing nothing for the team. In the sense that he’s not taking measures to facilitate these icons’ smooth gameplay. This in turn is affecting the team’s championship dreams. Fans say this is a matter of national concern. Of course, this is a satirical way to say the LA Lakers are a lackluster team currently and a major reform needs to come.
Trump and Kamala need to talk about Rob Pelinka doing nothing to put LeBron & AD in a realistic position to win a championship. Thats a paramount issue in our countrypic.twitter.com/giHF9yCdDB
— TorchedByOtterman (@NormanOtterman) September 11, 2024
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Pelinka has a lot to prove to his people. Rebuilding faith among fans might be the toughest yet the most crucial task at the moment. And only a miraculous signing could turn the tables. However, the chances are as bleak as the Earth leaving the Solar System. Moreover, the horrific trade blunders for guard Russell Westbrook a few years ago were a major blow to the overall balance of the team. That failed transfer, transformed the squad but not for the good. Although an average of 118 PPG isn’t bad. But compared to the squads and management of teams like the Celtics and the Mavs, a lot of work needs to be done.
ESPN: Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has a lot to prove https://t.co/xdsy7wHLNq pic.twitter.com/2Tgzvlq63Y
— LeBron Wire (@LeBron_Wire) September 11, 2024
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Now, the question is: Can Rob Pelinka’s stepping down change the scenario? There are as always, two answers: yes and no. A fresh mindset and new energy could be good for the Lakers. But a sudden switch of hands could enhance the disruption more. Thus the only way out of this mess is by improving strategies. Fans need to be served, they must have something to look up to in each game. Can the Lakers do that?
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Debate
Is Rob Pelinka's leadership in jeopardy after the Trump-related controversy? Lakers fans, what's your take?