What Rob Pelinka and the new regime brings to the Lakers
By Asha Doucet
Rob Pelinka was introduced as the Los Angeles Lakers general manager Friday and promises hard work and collaboration to make it the best franchise in sports once again.
Pelinka impressed in his introductory presser showing grace and class by thanking the people that helped him get to his position. He thanked Jeanie Buss and the Buss family for the opportunity, Magic Johnson for the position and Kobe Bryant for his friendship. Furthermore, he spoke about a new regime for L.A. One that focuses on what the organization has been missing in the absence of Dr. Jerry Buss; collaboration.
Pelinka promised that he and Johnson would work extremely hard and work together to get the franchise back on track. He included Jeanie Buss head coach Luke Walton into the collaborative effort. Pelinka said it would take everyone working as a unit to truly turn things around. In doing so he referenced a time with Dr. Buss exercising this very concept. “We are all gonna come together like Dr. Buss envisioned and we’re gonna collaborate. We’re gonna exchange ideas,”
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said Pelinka. “People’s opinions are going to be shared and respected.” Pelinka continued, “This franchise consists of 200 to 250 employees, and our job is to make sure that all of those team members are functioning as a well-oiled machine and together.”
It seems as though Pelinka’s vision goes beyond evaluating talent, orchestrating trades and picking up stars in free agency. It extends to the success and well-being of the franchise at every level. A word Pelinka often used in his presser was cares. Certainly, he has given the impression as someone who cares about more than just the basketball. He wants to do right by every staff member and player that is part of the Lakers’ organization. Pelinka’s words can only be seen as genuine as someone who has been close to the franchise for almost the entirety of Kobe Bryant’s 20-year career as his former agent.
This is a welcomed attitude and outlook for a franchise that has been in shambles over the last few years and will miss the playoffs for a franchise-worst fourth straight season. Especially when considering the year the team is having, the general manager is still in full support of the head coach.
"Walton said, “[It’s] obviously nice to have the upper management supporting what you’re doing … It gives you the confidence to make the decisions you feel are best for the team.” Walton continued, “It’s important we can both be honest with each other even if we don’t agree, If it’s a basketball decision, I’ll have the ultimate say. If it’s a personnel decision, he’ll have the ultimate say.”"
To the delight of many, Pelinka’s vision for collaboration isn’t just in-house. He spoke highly of his friendship with Kobe, and Magic stated that the three of them would be getting together to discuss basketball over dinner. That means that Bryant, even if unofficially, will have an input on L.A.’s direction moving forward. Fitting, as Bryant is a great basketball mind and synonymous with the Lakers.
Pelinka’s commitment to care and collaboration is what can set him and L.A. apart from the rest of the league. This is just the beginning and things are easier said than done. However, if he can make good on his promises Laker fans can be assured that the team will be a first class, world class, winning organization once again. They should have faith that his talk isn’t cheap. He has been praised by many of his former clients around the league. All of which believe he will be great in his new role. Additionally, his strong connections within the organization prove he truly has its best interest at heart. Communication is the key to success in any relationship, therefore, Pelinka is starting off on the right foot as Lakers general manager.
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What do you think about Rob Pelinka’s approach to his role as general manager? Is he right to collaborate with everyone in the franchise? Will his approach make way for too many opposing opinions? Let us know what you think in the comments.