How Much Credit Should Rob Pelinka Get For LA's Strong 6-2 Start?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Locked On Podcast Network, Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

November 5, 202532 min
Basketball

How Much Credit Should Rob Pelinka Get For LA's Strong 6-2 Start?

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Episode Notes

The Lakers are playing well. They've won six of eight without LeBron in the lineup. Luka Donćić has missed four games, and the Lakers have won three. The new guys, most notably Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton are all making very strong early season contributions. so while a lot of attention has rightly gone to the production Luka is putting forth when he does play, or the incredibly high level Austin Reaves has been performing, it's worth making sure any discussion of the strong start gives credit to GM Rob Pelinka - not the most favored man in LA, typically. 

So what does he get credit for? Can he claim the Ayton signing as one that required him to do some serious GMing? What about Smart or Ayton? Were those more lucky (unexpected buyout market) or excellent work or both? 

What about LaRavia? He's in a different category for sure. 

What's important, too, is that the answer this year can be "yes," but not necessarily represent a bet on Pelinka's ability to shrewdly build rosters down the road. 

Meanwhile, It's Lakers vs. Spurs Wednesday night. Luka should available, but Austin Reaves might miss another game with a groin injury. Dylan Harper is out for the Spurs, as is De'Aaron Fox. So it won't quite be what fans wanted to see if those guys can't play... but honestly as long as Wemby is available many ticket paying Lakers fans will get to see what they want. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 


SEGMENT 1: The Lakers are good! Is that because of Rob Pelinka? 

SEGMENT 2: Credit . Does he get some? 

SEGMENT 3: Lakers vs. Spurs: What to watch. 

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