It’s only taken a year and a half for the Los Angeles Lakers to go from champs to chumps, from winning a championship in the bubble to losing in the first round last year and possibly missing playoffs completely this year.
The Lakers lost their way by forgetting who they were and throwing away what won their championship. Rob cracked and traded for Russ, ownership suddenly got cheap, and Vogel got a roster that exposed his flaws. Everyone in the Lakers’ organization shares the blame for where the Lakers are right now, will have to be held accountable, and will need to participate in any solution to get the organization in sync and everybody on the same page.
The front office executive who will get the opportunity to fix the Lakers’ roster problem this summer will be the same Rob Pelinka who was responsible for the problems in the first place by agreeing to trade for Russ. You can blame LeBron and AD but it’s Rob who is paid big bucks to make those tough decisions like should we trade for Russell Westbrook, should we re-sign Alex Caruso, should we promise Andre Drummond a starting role?
Bottom line, here are the six steps Rob must take as head of basketball operations to get everybody in the Lakers’ organization in sync and on the same page and fix the roster problems caused by the Westbrook trade.
1. Accept Responsibility for the Lakers’ Current Mess
The first thing Rob needs to do is accept responsibility for the Westbrook trade. That LeBron and AD wanted Russ and pushed for the trade doesn’t matter. The final decision was Rob’s and it was clearly a poor decision.
Accepting responsibility for the Westbrook trade would clear the decks for everybody to stop assessing blame and instead allow ownership, front office, and coaching to work together to create game plan for this summer. Most importantly, it would show that Rob is the man in charge and will be the one making the final decision when it comes to terminating the Westbrook experiment and upgrading the roster to championship level.
The Lakers are at a major crossroads. They still have two superstars and could rebuild and come back as a legitimate contender next season…or they could continue making wrong moves and fumble LeBron James transition. Rob Pelinka needs to create a overall vision for how to get the best out of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and next year’s Lakers just like Jerry Buss did for the Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Showtime Lakers.
Rob has an opportunity to redeem himself as the Lakers general manager and fix the problems caused by the Westbrook trade. The first step is him accepting responsibility for the Lakers’ current roster mess.
2. Convince Jeanie Buss to Open Lakers’ Purse Strings
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess, he needs to sit down with Jeanie and convince her paying luxury taxes has become just the basic price of admission to compete for NBA championships.
With a market value of $5.5 billion, the Lakers will likely end up paying just $3 million in luxury taxes, 11th lowest amount among tax payers and considerably less than the $60 million due from top taxpayer Warriors. Jeanie’s unwillingness to pay luxury taxes ended up costing the Lakers one of their best defensive players when they refused to match an offer Alex Caruso received from the Chicago Bulls because of potential luxury taxes.
What Rob Pelinka needs to do is convince Jeanie and her brothers and sister that winning championships is what’s made the franchise worth $5.5 billion today and that the Lakers need to spend money to make money. The Lakers need to be willing to pay the same level of luxury taxes as their competitors: the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers. You can’t lose quality players like Caruso due to tax concerns.
The ability to compete financially is a basic requirement if the Lakers are to be able to compete on the hardwood. Pelinka needs to convince Jeanie Buss that paying luxury taxes is just an investment on future championships.
3. Recruit Quin Snyder as the Lakers Next Head Coach
The biggest challenge Rob will have this summer will be replace Frank Vogel as head coach. Before he can do that, he needs to decide what kind of coach the Lakers need to best optimize LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The head coach candidate Rob Pelinka should pursue this summer is Quin Snyder, current head coach of the Jazz, who have new ownership and word is the new ownership may want a new head coach after eight years. Snyder is a former Lakers assistant coach who possesses the same defensive DNA as Frank Vogel but has fully embraced the 3-point revolution that’s taken over the NBA, which is what the Lakers need to complement LeBron and AD
Defensively, Snyder favors a two-bigs defense anchored by an elite shot blocker like Gobert, which is style similar to Frank Vogel’s defense. Quin’s Jazz defense was 3rd in the league last season but just 13th this season. Offensively, Quin Snyder has the Jazz taking and making the second most 3-point shots in the league this season, after leading the league in both last season. Quin is Mike D’Antoni on offense and Frank Vogel on defense.
Pelinka and the Lakers should go all-in to sign Quin Snyder as their next head coach. He has the championship experience both as a player and coach and the X’s and O’s chops superstars James and Davis will respect.
4. Rebuild the Partnership with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports
Once Pelinka has signed Snyder to replace Vogel as the Lakers next head coach, he needs to turn his attention to repairing and rebuilding his alliance with Klutch Sports and getting LeBron James to sign a two-year extension.
While James won’t be eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, Pelinka needs his verbal approval once the season ends so he can move forward to surround LeBron and AD with a championship roster when summer starts. Were James unwilling to sign an extension, the Lakers might then be forced to consider trading him in order not to lose him to free agency this summer without getting anything in return. James signing an extension is critical.
The extension James will likely approve would be for two years with player options for the second year, which would then line up LeBron and AD so their last guaranteed seasons would be 23–24 with player options for 24–25. That would then set the Lakers up with maximum cap space and no players under contract for the 2024–25 season, giving them the flexibility to re-sign superstars James and Davis or look for a superstar to replace LeBron James.
Strengthening the Klutch Sports alliance should be apriority for Pelinka. It not only solidifies the Lakers’ relationship with LeBron and AD but also opens the door for the Lakers to acquire another Klutch Sports superstar.
5. Trade Russell Westbrook to Rockets for John Wall
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ mess, convinced Jeanie to loosen the purse strings, hired Quin Snyder as the next head coach, and rebuilt the alliance with Klutch Sports, he’s now ready to wheel and deal.
Finding a new home for Russell Westbrook will be Rob Pelinka’s first roster priority and undoubtedly the greatest challenge he will face this summer. The Lakers refused to give up a first round pick to move Russ at deadline. While the Lakers will be hoping to find a trading partner willing to take on Russ’ $47 million expiring contract, their best option could very well be to trade Westbrook and a first round draft pick to the Rockets for John Wall.
The Lakers are not interested in waiving and stretching Russell Westbrook. While Rob will try to find a team willing to trade the valuable players with multiple year contracts in return for Russ, the Lakers may still strike out. There’s no question that replacing Westbrook with Wall will be ‘addition by subtraction’ since Wall can at least be counted on to play under control and not create the chaotic rollercoaster ride Russ inevitably turns games into.
The first roster move Rob has to make this summer is trading Westbrook. Rob should be willing to give up one of the Lakers’ two first round picks to get a team to take Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract.
6. Trade THT, Nunn, and Pick for Stretch Five Center
The Lakers are at a critical crossroads where the decisions they make this summer will not only impact next season but could also the transition of the team once LeBron James retires and the success of post-LeBron future.
The last three years, the Lakers alternated between two-big lineups with traditional centers like JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard and small-ball-on-steroids lineups with Anthony Davis or LeBron James as stretch fives. Considering how the Lakers’ small lineups have been getting killed in the paint and on the boards and the persistent injuries to James and Davis, the Lakers should seriously consider returning to the two-bigs formula.
Rather than bringing in another traditional center, the Lakers should look to for a center with the size to protect the rim, the bulk to handle power centers like Embiid and Jokic, and the shooting stroke to stretch defenses. Adding a modern center like Christian Wood or Myles Turner would enable the Lakers to be able to play big or small. It would also give them the ability to have an elite shot blocker on the court for all 48 minutes of the game.
Considering injuries that have derailed this and last season’s teams, the Lakers should rethink their front court and look to trade for a modern stretch five center who can both protect the rim and stretch defenses.
https://twitter.com/LakerTom/status/1509309910445486081
Aloha Tom, my thoughts on your post. While I would love Rob to take responsibility for the mess he created. Some how though I think we will get the same old song and dance about injuries etc.
As for Jeanie, a big yes on spending what it takes. Although because of the construction of the current roster, we can’t really add a lot of salary. Last year the only way we could have added more salary was if we kept Alex. Considering we replaced him with a minimum player we only would have made it about a 7 mil increase which makes it even more painful for me. This year we can take back a little more back then we send out in a trade. And if Nunn opts in we can increase salary another 6.2 mil with the MLE. So we aren’t going to be able to spend our way out of this mess.
I’m on board with Quinn. The chatter is that the Lakers will be interested if he is available. He would be an excellent choice.
As for Klutch, I really don’t have enough insight into what is actually going on behind the scene to have an opinion.
I would rather keep Russ then give up a first for Wall. I’m not in favor of trading for another ball dominate, non shooting, poor defending PG. Wall may not make as many boneheaded plays as Russ, but probably can’t do as many of the positives as Russ brings. I’m hoping after Dennis and Russ, that Rob learns that he needs someone who can play off the ball and shoot. A little defensive ability wouldn’t hurt either.
As far as Turner. We won’t get him. Period. First I doubt the Pacers trade him. This is a team that had very little quality size before they traded Sabonis. They are not going to trade him for another guard, which they have plenty. They already turned down your proposal once. Turner is young and fits with their other younger players. If for some reason they put Turner on the block. The Hornets will snap him up. Or perhaps the Warriors will revisit Turner because their small ball is hurting them. Both have better assets to offer then us.
As for Wood, you mentioned we needed a center with the bulk to handle big centers. Wood is 6’ 10” and weighs a whopping 214 pounds. I’m 6’ 4” and weigh 215. And that’s mid range for my height. AD out weighs by Wood by 40 pounds. Wood might be a shot blocker but he also gets shoved around. LeBron bullied him without mercy. Besides they will be able to get more then your offer for wood. He will make a good PF for someone. Hey if he could defend the wing, I would like him better. I really don’t want LeBron chasing athletic wings at 38 and 39. I’m mean he can’t defend them now. It would be worse the older he gets. One other thing to remember. Nunn has a player option. He took less money to come to the Lakers. Would he opt in to go to the Rockets? Even though he didn’t play he could probably find the same 5 mil elsewhere.
Aloha, Michael. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Rob may not come out and accept responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess but internally, he has to be disappointed and eager to make amends and come out as the hero. I hope he realizes that the key is listening to all of his stakeholders but keeping the right to make the final decision solidly in his hands. Last time, I think he let it slip and agreed to something I don’t think he thought was best. Hopefully, he’s learned from that and will be more assertive. He knows this is on his head to fix.
I do think Rob will get Jeanie to loosen the purse strings. Both know this is a critical summer that will setup LeBron’s final years and set the stage for the post-LeBron years. Can’t handicap the team with financial constraints against its main competitors. One thing they need to consider is there are lots of opportunities to make moves to reduce taxes later in the year. Highest tax turned out to be dubs with $60M. Earlier projections had them at $200M. Same with Nets and Clippers around $40M vs. $100M projected. Lakers panicked on Caruso and made a major mistake. He would have only cost $10M in taxes not $30M like originally projected.
Quin Snyder would be perfect. Lakers roots, defensive background but totally embraced the 3-point shot. Perfect fit for this team. Probably too good to be true but Lakers should go all-in to get him. His modern approach offensively would be great. Next to Dubs, Jazz run great offensive sets. Think LeBron and AD would be aboard too. Let’s hope they make an effort to get him.
I obviously think Klutch is important, not only because they can be an exclusive source of talent but also for their input and judgment on players. Frankly, I trust them maybe more than the Lakers when it comes making decision and I like that the alliance gives LeBron and AD a bigger say in what we do. Now, that didn’t work out well with Russ but in general, they have to be in the loop. That they were should make them secure in their value and relationship. Will be easier for Rob to get true consensus and support this summer.
I’ve come to the conclusion we need to package both picks with Russ’ expiring contract to get the best return in trade. Rob needs a deal the Pacers, who reportedly are willing to trade Turner for two firsts or a first and a promising young player, or the Knicks, who might want to trade Randle, or the Rockets, who were willing to trade Wall and Wood for Russ, THT, and the 2027 first round pick. There were lots of deals if we were willing to give up the pick. Funny how the pick had great value while Russ, THT, and Nunn turned into trade filler.
I still think we can get a deal for Turner, Brogdon, and Hield or Wood, Gordon, and Wall or Randle, Rose, and Redding for Westbrook, two unprotected post-LeBron first round picks, and filler. Need to package Russ’ expiring with our two first rounders to get best return while dumping Russ.
Do you really want to pay Lebron near 100 mil for a two year extension for seasons 21 & 22?
Yes, we will get one championship during those two years. #18!
You’ve finally lost it.
1. There’s plenty of blame to go around. It does no good to dwell on it.
2. She probably won’t and with the nucleus they have, it wouldn’t matter.
3. The greatest coaches of all time couldn’t have resolved this mess of a roster.
4. No, no, and HELL NO. Lebron is fading fast and there’s absolutely no reason to believe this is going to change. Only if he extends for like 2yrs/40mil total, not the near 100mil he’d want for his year 21 and 22 seasons. ABSO-F’ING-LUTELY NO. Not to mention is Mr. Glass sidekick. Him playing just long enough just to get hurt again isn’t the outlier, it’s who AD is. Trade him while he still has some value. Another beat up season, and he’ll also be untradeable, damaged goods. Which brings us to your next ridiculous notion . . .
5. WTF for? So head LeKlutch weasel little Richie can milk more money out of yet another franchise for one of his sorry clients? Maybe when James could carry a weak team on his own, but now? Naw, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze. Possibly if they’d include Gordon AND Wood, but not straight up, and definitely not with one of the only assets they have left in that draft pick a million years away.
6. Your Turner obsession would be funny at this point if it weren’t so misguided. No way they want THT after the season he’s had, and Nunn is opting out of this mess, no doubt. Plus throwing away the last draft pick they have for near a decade to suffer even longer is just bad team management.
This version of Lebron is not a championship centerpiece. AD is not to be counted on. He’s that guy who gets his ring and his money, and stops caring. You’ve been around this game long enough to have seen that countless times, so I’m not sure how you’re missing it now. Making all these moves just puts you in deep, prolonged NBA purgatory AT BEST. Bron and AD have another injury-riddled season and they’re right back where they started from.
Best to tear it down and start over. Anything else is just a fool’s errand.
A lot depends on what Nunn does, actually. Seems odd he would opt out (to me) since there’s not a ton of FA money this summer and we just happily allowed him to rehab all season long. Either as a trade piece or just his cap space if Nunn walks that will be yet another player we spent money on who walked while we got nothing back in return. If he doesn’t opt in we don’t really get back what we invested last season so add that to another Rob Blunder.
I think we can all see how poorly Rob has done, will Jeannie? I kind of doubt it and I don’t see anyone saying it was all on them. Frank and injuries will be excuse enough to cover their azzes (in their minds) so I kind of expect at least another season essentially like this one. Rob has mismanaged most of his tools away and in the process left Frank with a nigh uncoachable team.
In terms of specific trades I don’t really see any of these working out either in getting made (except the terrible one for John Wall which is just a lateral move that costs us future assets, at best) by the opposing teams. Indy would have to really value THT who pans out as mediocre right now. Plus his deal is expiring with no added ability or the team to keep him so Indy would basically just be looking at him walking away after the season just to move Turner. Don’t see how it benefits them, even if you add in Nunn. Now, if one of the 1st rounders comes their way in that deal that might be a different story.
But I don’t think we need to focus specifically on a stretch five. Would it be nice? Sure but the defensive issues we have should be addressed as a priority and so we need to bring back the best defensive center we can, however that gets done. If they can shoot, wonderful. If not, they can probably dunk the ball which is enough for me.
All in all, I don’t really see us having enough assets to get back to what we had in the banner season. There aren’t the players available in free agency, we don’t have much to ship out (cue the slew of “Laker fans vastly under value their assets!” articles) and I don’t think Jeannie will suddenly embrace spending. So I see us basically treading water this summer and making a band aid move or two, cycling in different old guys, and hoping for health.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Jamie,
I think we may need to make both of our picks totally unprotected. If you remember at the trade deadline, nobody was complaining about the Lakers first round pick being not until 2027. Everybody realized it was a post-LeBron first round pick which considering how the Lakers were doing could end up being solid platinum.
We turned down several deals that would have helped, including one for Christian Wood, that having two first round picks should give us additional trading power this summer. I also think people are underestimating how valuable a $47M expiring contract is. That can fuel a complete rebuild for most NBA teams.
Anyway, I remain optimistic that Rob will get everybody on the same page and we will make a mega deal to trade Russ for three starters to kick us back into championship contention.
The fact that we didn’t run a banner winning squad back is borderline criminal. To not run it back because of some perceived offensive issue are indefensible since, as has now been pointed out to me numerous times, we have to out score the opposition to win which we actually did to the tune of an NBA banner. Then, to not maximize all available tools to improve a roster that led the league in Def. Efficiency while subsequently shipping out literally every defensive player except AD is beyond mind-boggling. Time to face the reality that Rob has no clue how to assemble a winning basketball team and is going to make us all suffer for hoping he can. We over-corrected ourselves into quite the cap situation. No good path forward from where I’m sitting, either. Already buckling up for a dismal next season or until whenever Jeannie actually does something, anything about this dysfunctional mess.