Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons why fans shouldn't blame Rob Pelinka

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons why fans shouldn’t blame Rob Pelinka

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers sits courtside before Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. The rest of the NBA has gotten stronger

The Los Angeles Lakers’ run to the NBA title last year was impressive, especially since they beat four really good teams to win it all.

However, the rest of the league got stronger this season, making it harder for L.A. to repeat as champs.

The Brooklyn Nets made big headlines by first acquiring Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant nearly two years ago. Durant finally made his Nets debut this season, and he looked about as great as he did prior to tearing his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.

The Nets were already the favorites to reach the NBA Finals in the minds of many when they went out and shocked the league by trading for former league MVP James Harden. All of a sudden, they had perhaps the greatest trio of all time (at least on paper).

Oh, and for good measure, they also added former perennial All-Star Blake Griffin.

If that weren’t enough, the Suns went out and traded for Chris Paul. CP3 always has an immense impact when he goes to a new team, and he revitalized a Suns franchise that had been in a total eclipse for a decade.

I haven’t even mentioned teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz, all of whom also improved this season.

The NBA is stronger than it’s ever been in my lifetime, and maybe even in general. None of that is Pelinka’s fault.

Home/Lakers News