Heading into the early and prolonged offseason, Rob Pelinka has a hungry, gaping void. He has the brain and brawn (and Bron too), but something is missing on the roster. Acquiring Luka Doncic midseason didn’t solve the major issue, that is, the absence of a center. Anthony Davis demanded a five to complete the team before the Lakers traded him to Dallas. But now, even LA’s front office realizes what they’re missing in their roster.

The biggest advantage that Pelinka has in the trade market is the name, ‘Los Angeles Lakers.’ It’s a legacy everyone wishes to be a part of. However, for the Slovenian Sensation, the story was different. But now it’s not the time to mull over the past, because what lies ahead is an opportunity that Doncic is opening up for LA.

Speaking with Dan Patrick, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said, “One, the Lakers traditionally have not had a whole lot of problems convincing guys. ‘Hey, do you like the sunshine? Do you like the glitz and glamour? Do you like the spotlight? You might want to come here’. “ Well, that doesn’t need an explanation as to why this happens. Seventeen banners speak for themselves. However, “Luka is not somebody who everybody maybe will want to play with, but they’ve got the other guys who are going to have the ball in their hands. They need to fill out with the role players, like the Mavericks did the year before they went to the Finals.”

Tim MacMahon is saying that not every player may enjoy playing with Luka Doncic, given his propensity to control the ball a lot. That can make it hard for others to shine. But the Lakers already have players who will handle the ball. So, they now need solid role players around them. And, he compares it to what Dallas did before their Finals run. “The primary thing they need is that lob-catch and rim-protecting big man, and those types of guys will absolutely be lining up to try to play with Luka in LA,” MacMahon further noted.

The Los Angeles Lakers need a big man who can finish alley-oop passes on offense and block or contest shots near the basket on defense. That type of player is key to balancing their lineup. Luka Doncic would handle the ball. So, role players who defend and finish at the rim become crucial. Many big men would love to join that setup. Especially in LA.

And reportedly, there is someone in Houston who has Rob Pelinka’s hawkeye on him after a fabulous 2024-25 NBA season.

Luka Doncic opens paths for Rob Pelinka’s pursuit of a $106M guard

Rob Pelinka‘s Lakers are reportedly eyeing Houston’s $106 million guard Jalen Green as a potential offseason prize. According to @BovadaOfficial, they lead the betting race at +2000 odds, implying a 4.76% chance. Meanwhile, the Knicks trail at +2500, with the Heat, Clippers, and Warriors all tied at +2800 (3.45%). This buzz hints at LA’s drive to reload with youth and explosive scoring talent.

Conversely, Boston sits at +3300, signaling low odds given their loaded backcourt. OKC follows at +5000, unlikely due to their guard-heavy roster. The Raptors round out the list at +7500, reflecting rebuild priorities. These speculative numbers suggest the Lakers are the most logical suitor if Green moves. With Pelinka’s aggressive playbook and LA’s market appeal, the stars could align for a blockbuster shift this summer.

All signs point to a stormy summer in LA. With Luka Doncic in control and Rob Pelinka on the prowl, the Lakers are crafting something bold. Sure, the void is glaring—but so is the opportunity. If Jalen Green hops aboard, the script flips fast. After all, in Hollywood, stars don’t wait. They shine—or they move.