The Los Angeles Lakers are in a period of doom. A 2-8 start to the season has left fans already losing hope. The season might be young, but their problems are deep. The 17-time champions are shooting all-time worst numbers. Likewise, their offense ranks amongst the bottom. The blame has shifted to nearly everyone. However, three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas blames the president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka for the Lakers’ three-year debacle. Notably, his one single trade decision kept the purple and gold from solidifying their greatness in this era.

Agent Zero also believes Pelinka’s powers mainly rose due to Kobe Bryant. Notably, before his role with the Lakers, he and the Black Mamba were close friends. Going on vacations together, Pelinka was also his former agent. Likewise, having the franchise’s most admired player on his side, the now president of basketball operations is held in high regard.

However, Arenas called him out for making a mammoth misjudgment. The former Washington Wizards guard doubted his ability to see talent through due to one major trade three years ago.

Arenas holds Rob Pelinka accountable for the Lakers’ downfall

Lakers fans would consider the trade for Anthony Davis as a win and a loss. In his first season, they marched to a championship in the Orlando bubble. However, not only have the Brow progressively declined in his young career, but they had to let go of their entire young core. One of those youngsters has risen to an All-Star level, Brandon Ingram. Notably, Pelinka chose to keep Kyle Kuzma over BI in the trade for AD.

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Today, the Los Angeles Lakers are the worst shooting team in the NBA. As for Kuzma, he wore the purple and gold for just one more season after their championship. Right now, Agent Zero feels the Lakers would be on a different route had Brandon Ingram still been a part of the historic franchise.

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Arenas said: “I think he had too much power coming in because of Kobe Bryant’s name. His first bad deal was this – Magic Johnson had a trade that included Josh Hart, Kuzma, Ball, and he chose to keep Kuzma over BI. Magic Johnson had that deal done.” 

While the Lakers struggle with an inconsistent roster, Ingram and the Pelicans have built up a solid core. The former Lakers forward is averaging 22 points per game and has shot close to 40% from beyond the arc. His near 7-foot frame allows him to easily create his own shot. Had the Lakers had him for three years, they would have most likely remained on top of the mountain.

However, history dictated the story of a great downfall. The New Orleans Pelicans are 5-5 for the season with Zion Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum in their starting lineup. In merely a season, the Lakers went from worshipping the Anthony Davis trade to now making trade talks around him.

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Do you think the Lakers could have defended their crown if they trusted Magic Johnson? Let us know your views in the comments below.