Lakers Extend Rob Pelinka’s Contract, Solidifying Future Leadership

The Los Angeles Lakers are optimistic about the team's future, with the organization reportedly agreeing to a contract extension and new title for general manager Rob Pelinka on Friday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

This news comes just months after Pelinka, now the president of basketball operations, orchestrated a trade for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić. With Dončić joining forces with LeBron James, the Lakers went 19-13 down the stretch, earning the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.

Pelinka, hired by the Lakers in 2017, has served as general manager since then. His tenure immediately paid off, as he and Magic Johnson convinced James to sign with the Lakers as a free agent before the 2018-19 season. Although the team missed the playoffs that year, Pelinka made a bold move by trading for Anthony Davis, leading the Lakers to a 52-19 record and an NBA championship in the bubble the following year.

In 2020, Pelinka was also appointed vice president of basketball operations, a role he has held alongside his general manager duties.

Pelinka's main focus has been keeping LeBron James satisfied while maintaining the team’s competitive edge. His successful moves include the trades for Davis and Dončić, as well as hiring JJ Redick as head coach despite Redick’s lack of coaching experience. Redick had previously worked with James on the “Mind the Game” podcast before being appointed as the Lakers' head coach. He signed a multi-year deal at the time.

Pelinka’s new extension suggests he and Redick will continue to steer the team for the foreseeable future. Additionally, Pelinka drafted LeBron's son, Bronny James, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Though Bronny has shown promise, he has struggled for playing time.

Before joining the Lakers, Pelinka was a successful agent, representing top clients such as Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady.