Rob Pelinka Is Ruining The End Of LeBron James’ Career

by Ben Cooper

In the offseason, LeBron James committed to the Lakers, signing a two-year $97 million extension. General manager Rob Pelinka seemed prepared to make the same commitment back, as he was willing to part with LA’s 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for the right package.

However, after a 13-20 start and an injury to star Anthony Davis, the front office is hesitant to make a move. According to Jovan Boha, they are still exploring trades but don’t want to ‘compound its previous mistakes with more win-now moves.’

This is a complete joke to LeBron and the Lakers fanbase. LeBron is one of the greatest players ever and still puts up elite numbers as his 38th birthday approaches. He is averaging 28/8/7, shooting 49.6% and 30.6% from three.

It’s now revealed that Los Angeles doesn’t want to make a move because of the front office’s previous mistakes. So, instead of trying to put the best talent around LeBron and AD, Pelinka is choosing to do nothing.

Having a GM that is afraid to make a trade because of some bad moves in the past will not work. GMs need to be decisive and have a plan to put the best roster possible together. Pelinka put together a guard-heavy roster, which has made it tough for head coach Darvin Ham to put out adequate lineups when LeBron is out of the game. 

They lack depth at both forward and center, which could be helped through a trade. However, a move seems unlikely as of now, and the Lakers' playoff hopes are dwindling.

Owner Jeanie Buss also deserves blame for Los Angeles not putting the best roster together. According to Sam Amick, LA was ready to send Westbrook and picks to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, but Buss was reluctant to trade Westbrook. 

While Westbrook is a star, Hield and Turner are high-quality role players that would fit exceptionally well alongside LeBron and AD. 

Buss and Pelinka’s failure to put talent around LeBron in the late stage of his career is disappointing to see. He brought the Lakers a championship in 2020 and has been loyal to the Purple & Gold. 

The vision has changed recently, as LeBron does not have the pieces around him to win another title.

If Buss and Pelinka want to get the best out of LeBron in his final years and have a shot at winning a championship, they will make a trade to get him help.

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