“Jeanie Buss Was Gonna Pull the Plug”: LeBron James’ Lakers’ Off-Season Upgradation Has Stephen A. Smith in Awe of Rob Pelinka

The NBA offseason has witnessed some of the most shocking acquisitions this year. While stars like Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis found new homes, the Los Angeles Lakers have made some underrated moves throughout the summer. Despite not making headlines with star-studded moves, the team has silently upgraded their roster to a strong contender in the West.

Rob Pelinka has spearheaded one of the smartest offseason upgrades in recent history. While they did not shock the NBA world by acquiring superstars to team up with their duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis like two seasons prior, the LA camp made some terrific moves to pick up talented role players. These upgrades impressed the veteran analyst who finally gave the Lakers general manager his flowers.

LeBron James led Lakers leave Stephen A. Smith awestruck

The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the most successful franchises in this year’s offseason. From adding depth in the guard position with Gabe Vincent to providing a backup for Anthony Davis in Christian Wood, the team has done it all. This has thoroughly impressed the veteran analyst, Stephen A. Smith.

After the Lakers’ underwhelming season in 2021-22, Smith bashed the franchise’s general manager Rob Pelinka. However, after he not only rectified his mistakes but also built a contender, Smith seemed impressed. He gave his stamp of approval to Pelinka’s brilliance on the ESPN show, “First Take”.

“To me, it’s not just about the offseason, Shanon, it’s about what the Lakers have done since the trade deadline,” said Smith. “I’m telling you, what I know. If that trade deadline hadn’t happened…..Rob Pelinka would have been out. He would have been done. I’m telling you, Jeanie Buss was gonna pull the plug.” 

He further hailed the Lakers GM, saying, “Rob Pelinka has done an outstanding job. You look at that, you know I feel about my brother, Darvin Ham….then, you resigned Anthony Davis for $62M….you kept D’Angelo Russell bargain basement, you kept Vanderbilt bargain basement, you got Austin Reaves….I’m just looking at the continuity they kept in place with the acquisition of Gabe Vincent from Miami…I like what they have done. And I think the Lakers are going to be very very formidable…I think the Lakers got a chance.” 

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Apart from Smith’s approval, what’s most impressive is that the Lakers has managed to curb their luxury tax bill. Pelinka’s genius shows in the way the team has made economical moves throughout the offseason.

Lakers have had a highly efficient offseason

Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the better built sides. After their unreal Western Conference Finals run last season, this roster seems determined to make a genuine championship run this season. However, their most impressive achievement has been curbing their luxury tax bill.

One of the most extravagant spenders in this year’s offseason has been Stephen Curry‘s Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ luxury tax bill for the 2023-24 season accounts to a whopping $88,166,395. Furthermore, the Kawhi Leonard-led Los Angeles Clippers, hold a $108,914,347 worth luxury tax bill. However, their California rivals, Los Angeles Lakers have only accounted for $3,163,325 in this aspect.

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The Lakers have built a championship contending side, ranking 10th in the luxury tax bill estimates. This achievement of Rob Pelinka’s is truly one for the ages.