Bill Simmons skeptical of Rob Pelinka’s future in Los Angeles
For a famous franchise like Los Angeles Lakersdrama will always be there, especially behind the scenes. A person who knows it well is Rob Pelinkawho is both president of basketball operations and general manager of the team.
Pelinka, who was hired by the Purple and Gold in 2017, has spent years dealing with the team’s internal problems while trying to keep it competitive.
Many believe that Pelinka’s days with the team are numbered, as well The Lakers were fighting to get back to the NBA Finals. But for The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, it has more to do with the Lakers new ownershiphosted by TVG Global’s Mark Walter.
“I’m just wondering what’s going on with L.A. in general because the owner of the (Los Angeles) Dodgers bought the team. They brought in Lon Rosen as the president of the business. Lon Rosen, his man for life is Magic Johnson” Simmons said on his podcast.
“Magic Johnson had that thing with Pelinka where he left, and it doesn’t look like Magic is involved, but there’s no love lost. In general, it just seems like we’re moving toward some sort of post-Pelinka universe where it’s like, ‘Thanks for the Luka (Doncic) trade!’
The Lakers named Johnson president of basketball operations a few weeks before they hired Pelinka. It seemed like a perfect match, but in reality, cracks were slowly forming, and Pelinka allegedly regularly overstepped his role.
Johnson announced his resignation in 2019, and Pelinka was kept in the dark. He later accused Pelinka of disloyalty and backstabbing.
56-year-old Pelinka, who brought LeBron James and Anthony Davis to the Lakershe signed a contract extension in April, so it would be a big shock if he was suddenly replaced.
But then again, what are the Lakers without drama? At this point, anything is possible – even magic.
2026-03-02 02:27:00
