The Los Angeles Lakers built their entire roster around Luka Doncic this summer, which proves that connections with the star will be most important for as long as Rob Pelinka is running the front office. They got Doncic the center he demanded and paid a hefty price to do it. The Lakers sent eight players packing to get younger and more athletic. This is an entirely new team built more like the 2024 Mavericks that Luka led to the NBA Finals.
Pelinka added Marcus Smart last summer after Luka recruited him to the Lakers. They picked up Quentin Grimes and Jaden Hardy, who played with Doncic in Dallas. The Lakers drafted a young 3-and-D forward in Cameron Carr to fit perfectly around number 77. LA’s general manager is clearly focused on keeping Luka happy and building the team around him. They even kept Jarred Vanderbilt after rumors of shopping him, and his close relationship likely played a key role.
Pelinka and the Lakers are clearly all-in around Doncic, but things could change quickly. This roster was built with a multi-year vision in mind, but ownership changes usually led to on-court alterations. This build only makes sense if Los Angeles sticks to it, but Bob Iger and Josh Kushner buying the team may change things.
Rob Pelinka is looking for pieces that fit around Luka Doncic
Relationships with Luka and fit around him are the only two things that matter to the Lakers. They gave Austin Reaves a max contract after the Pistons started mounting a serious bid. Doncic and Reaves have developed a close relationship. Luka didn’t want to see his friend depart, so Pelinka stepped up with a larger offer.
Every added piece is meant to fit around Doncic. Grimes is the 3-and-D wing starter the Lakers need. Sandro Mamukelashvili gives LA a versatile big man that can space the floor and dominate in transition. Walker Kessler is the rim-rolling lob target Luka makes elite. Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle are bench 3-and-D wings that could scale their roles up with number 77 maximizing their production.
Pelinka will keep adding pieces and getting rid of ones that don’t fit. Dalton Knecht will soon be gone. Jake LaRavia must make shots to stick in Los Angeles. Kevon Looney and Bronny James need to prove they can play next to Luka. This is Doncic’s team for better or worse.
Rob Pelinka has an uncertain future with the Lakers after driving the change
Expectations are down for the purple and gold for the first time since 2020. Pelinka remade the roster around Luka, and he will receive the brunt of the blame if things don’t work.
With new ownership coming in, Pelinka has to prove he is the man for the job. The success of this build will determine that.
The Lakers still need a starting power forward and a reserve big man. Pelinka only has one first-round pick swap and three second-round draft picks to trade, but he will be exploring the market before the deadline. There is a ton of pressure to succeed immediately. Doncic is in his prime, and Pelinka is trying to prove to his new bosses that he can build a championship roster around Luka.
Los Angeles Lakers fans felt like they knew what to expect before Mark Walter’s shocking sale. Things are in flux again. The franchise is building around Luka Doncic for however long Rob Pelinka is in charge of the front office. This was a long-term plan, but the ownership change could ruin it.
Credit to Pelinka for having a vision and creating it. The Lakers are Luka’s team until a shakeup happens. Let’s hope this group gets at least this season to prove themselves.
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