The Los Angeles Lakers are on a good track toward being a contender once again and Rob Pelinka feels a sense of urgency to win a championship.
As one of the most successful franchises in the NBA, the last few years have been very difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers. The end of the Kobe Bryant era resulted in some tough years, and the rebuild for the Lakers has not happened overnight.
However, with Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson taking over control of the front office, the Lakers have been on a much better path. The team has been wise with the contracts they have been giving out and also have been drafting very well.
This combination has resulted in the team having flexible cap space and a talented young core. In the offseason, the Lakers were able to sign LeBron James to give them the superstar that the franchise desperately needed.
The addition of James has instantly made the Lakers a contender in the Western Conference and it has taken them one step closer to potentially winning a title. Recently Pelinka spoke about his desire to win a championship. Here’s what he said via LakersNation.com.
"“I’ll personally feel a sense of urgency until we get a championship,” Pelinka recently said."
Even though Pelinka might feel a sense of urgency to win a title, the Lakers have done a nice job being patient. This offseason, the team easily could have sent their young core to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard. While that move would have given them two superstars, it might have really hurt the team for the long-term.
Being patient and not trading for superstars that can sign as free agents is certainly wise for the Lakers at this moment. Even though there might be a temptation to try and add a superstar to play alongside LeBron, the Lakers have resisted making a rushed move, which has hurt the franchise in the past.
The young core of the Lakers is very promising, and with LeBron, can achieve great things. While it is great that Pelinka has a sense of urgency to win a title, it’s also good that he has been patient in that quest.