Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking Rob Pelinka’s offseasons with LA
By Jason Reed
3. 2021 offseason
We have not seen the results of the 2021 offseason pan out yet but there is no chance that it is going to surpass the no. 1 and 2 offseasons on this list. However, I would not completely rule out this offseason going lower on the list, potentially all the way to the fifth spot.
There is a reality in which the Russell Westbrook trade doesn’t just not work, but it also blows up in the team’s face and sets them back by a few seasons. Even if Westbrook is not a great fit I doubt it would have that kind of everlasting impact, though.
Plus, we have multiple reasons to buy into Westbrook working out in LA.
The Westbrook trade is not the only thing that Pelinka did this offseason and in fact, I would argue that it was the moves he made after the trade that made this offseason so impressive. Pelinka had so many financial restrictions yet put together a roster that seems deep enough to go on an NBA Finals run.
Not only did they land most of the best of the best minimum guys but they also landed some younger players that were complete happy surprises. Getting Kendrick Nunn and Malik Monk is absolutely huge and that is a testament to the culture they are building in LA.
The big sore spot of the offseason is losing Alex Caruso as the team essentially picked to re-sign Talen Horton-Tucker instead of re-signing Caruso. With both, the Lakers would have owed a massive tax bill and that obviously is not something ownership wants to do.
Personally, as a fan, I don’t care if they have to pay more taxes. They are a billion-dollar sports franchise but I get the hesitation.