On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers shared a thrilling video announcement. They took the interim tag off Pelinka, signing him to a multiyear contract extension and promoting him to NBA president of basketball operations and general manager. Pelinka’s new role reflects the organization’s confidence in his leadership and strategic vision as they continue to pursue championship-caliber basketball.
Rob Pelinka got the job with the Lakers in 2017 and quickly assumed the title of general manager. He remained an important member of the team’s success in the years to come. In 2020, he was given a title upgrade to add vice president of basketball operations. This move acknowledged the larger role he’d taken on in the quickly expanding organization. Since then, he’s played a pivotal role in building the team’s roster and steering its purpose.
Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner and governor of the Los Angeles Lakers thanked Pelinka for his services to her team on the way out the door. She also acknowledged his collaborative spirit and professionalism in creating a positive environment for players and staff alike to thrive. Buss highlighted her trust in Pelinka’s vision, saying,
“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization.”
The Lakers have a long history of creating unrealistic expectations about how bad they’ll be, promising fans that they’ll be treated to championship-caliber basketball. That contract for Pelinka shows how much faith the franchise has in him to produce the results necessary to live up to those lofty expectations.
People say so long, Rob Pelinka, as you enter your new chair as president of basketball operations and general manager. He will be responsible for all areas of the team’s basketball operations. If his leadership could take the franchise through the murky waters of the new quality-or-bust world of the NBA.
Leave a Reply