The Los Angeles Lakers cannot let Rob Pelinka make another draft pick because seven years of history suggest it won’t go well. The franchise hasn’t extended a first-round pick to a second contract since 2005, and Pelinka’s only two first-round selections since he took over in 2019 have been busts. Every dollar counts in the second apron era. The Lakers need talent on rookie contracts, which is why owner Mark Walter should strip Pelinka of his power in the draft.
Pelinka’s tenure has been hit and miss. The Lakers uncovered Austin Reaves as an undrafted free agent. Pelinka’s close relationship with Nico Harrison led to the Luka Doncic trade. Rob deserves credit and criticism. Pelinka dismantled the 2020 title team too quickly and traded for Russell Westbrook. The Luka trade should keep him as LA’s top executive, but they need someone else running the draft room.
Lakers fans know how bad his track record is. It is too soon to judge Adou Thiero. Beyond that, it is fair to argue that Max Christie is Pelinka’s only success story in seven years. The Lakers traded some of the picks, but they need to be better to have any shot at competing with the Thunder and Spurs.
Lakers must strip Rob Pelinka of his draft powers
LA has upgraded their front office since Mark Walter bought the team, but they are still searching for a draft guru. It is crucial to get someone in the room before making this year’s selection.
Here is a look at every Lakers’ draft pick who started their rookie season with LA since Rob Pelinka took over as top executive in 2019.
Year | Player | Round | Overall Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Talen Horton-Tucker | 2 | 46th |
2022 | Max Christie | 2 | 35th |
2023 | Jalen Hood-Schifino | 1 | 17th |
2023 | Maxwell Lewis | 2 | 40th |
2024 | Dalton Knecht | 1 | 17th |
2024 | Bronny James | 2 | 55th |
2025 | Adou Thiero | 2 | 37th |
Los Angeles dumped Hood-Schifino before the end of his rookie contract and should be looking to trade Dalton Knecht. Those are Pelinka’s only two first-round draft picks, but things aren’t much better in round two.
Horton-Tucker had a couple of intriguing years and was ultimately chosen by Pelinka as a keeper over Alex Caruso. That couldn’t have been a bigger mistake. Max Christie helped get Luka, and looks like a quality 3-and-D option for years to come. Maxwell Lewis is out of the NBA, and many think Bronny was only a favor to LeBron.
It doesn’t get much worse than this. The Lakers have been contending every year since Pelinka took over, but to draft a maximum of three role players in seven years is a problem. Los Angeles isn’t maximizing this area of team building when it is more important than ever.
Mark Walter is used to winning championships with the Dodgers. If he wants to have that same success with the purple and gold, there must be an emphasis on the draft. Step one is hiring an elite talent evaluator who can find a role player no matter where Los Angeles is selecting. Walter has to give him final say over Pelinka when it comes to the draft. The Lakers' general manager has a seven-year track record of struggling. It isn’t getting better unless someone else takes control.
The Los Angeles Lakers must strip Rob Pelinka of his power in the draft and rely on someone else. They want to build a sustainable title contender around Luka Doncic. The only way that happens is by finding talent in the draft. Sadly, Pelinka can’t, so it is time for a new voice to make those calls.
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