The Los Angeles Lakers used their cap space to add four players, and the three Rob Pelinka wanted share a common profile that could sink this first roster build around Luka Doncic. The superstar wanted Walker Kessler, and the team paid handsomely because of it. Pelinka used the remaining space to sign Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. They are three undersized score-first players for their positions. Fans know Pelinka loves scorers, and it could ruin this build.
The general manager signed Kobe Bufkin, Drew Timme, and Nick Smith Jr. during last season. All three are undersized score-first options, and none of them worked out. He has drafted a pair of 6’5 score-first wings in the first round before 2026. Dalton Knecht and Jalen Hood-Schifino both look like busts. Pelinka signed Spencer Dinwiddie, D’Angelo Russell, and Dennis Schroder in years past. He loves scorers, and every time it ends in disaster.
Pelinka went back to it this offseason with his three signings. He hopes they provide versatility and shot creation around Luka, but the general manager ignored size and defense. The two of the three things the Spurs and Thunder are using to dominate the West. What could possibly go wrong?
Rob Pelinka’s love for score-first player could sink Lakers’ build around Luka Doncic
The Lakers acquired Doncic in 2025 and instantly made him their superstar. It took some time to build around him. Los Angeles lost eight players from last year’s roster, including LeBron James, to retool around number 77. It was a bold move that could backfire.
Pelinka’s choice to let LeBron, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes depart in free agency was baffling. The Lakers missed out on recouping assets for these talented players, unlike they did with Deandre Ayton. It was only two second-round draft picks, but that capital adds up over six players.
Luka is a leader capable of getting the best out of his team. He is already proving that, but Grimes, Mamu, and Sexton have been relegated to bench roles in the past because they like to take over the offense a bit too much. The Lakers want Luka and Austin Reaves to be the primary scorers and creators. That means the three newcomers have to accept lesser roles.
There is only one ball. Grimes, Sexton, and Mamu need to space the floor, sink open looks, and attack closeouts. They should be getting the defense rotating and not solely look to score.
Pelinka loves those types of players, but they don’t impact winning. Fans have seen it for years, and it will likely be a problem for the Lakers again this season.
Pelinka foolishly made a mistake in almost every offseason move. He gave out four-year contracts to Grimes and Mamukelashvili. Sexton has a player option for the 2027-28 season. Those were unnecessary for role players that the Lakers don’t know fit next to Luka Doncic.
Rob Pelinka’s love for score-first players could sink the Los Angeles Lakers. They only have three guaranteed starters. They used their cap space on players other teams used off the bench for a reason. This could quickly become a problem that sinks this retool.
The Lakers need Luka to get the best out of Grimes, Mamu, and Sexton. Luckily for Pelinka, Luka is no stranger to doing just that. Hopefully, it happens again, or Pelinka could be looking for work elsewhere.
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