Is Rob Pelinka Leading Lakers To Doom? Forceful Jalen Hood-Schifino Draft Over 3 Star Caliber Players Comes To Fore

Ever since the 2020 bubble championship, the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to mount a successful season. They have either stepped into the play-in to proceed or been eliminated early. As they hold the 10th spot with 14 games left in regulation, their 2023-24 season hints at underlying issues in the franchise; prominently revolving around Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka is the Lakers’ general manager, and was promoted to Vice President 4 years ago (2020). Since then, he has sparked several controversial decisions. A recent unfolding adds more to the narrative, revolving around the 2023 NBA drafts.

Rob Pelinka overlooked 3-star players for Hood-Schifino

The Lakers selected Jalen Hood-Schifino with their No. 17 pick in the 2023 Draft. While the fans love the defensive player, his performance contradicts Rob Pelinka’s approach. It seems like Pelinka overlooked multiple star players for Hood-Schifino.

The Lakers had the opportunity to grab Jaime Jaquez Jr., Cam Whitmore, and Brandin Podziemski before Jalen. Initially, the franchise saw potential in Kobe Bufkin, who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks at #15. After losing a say on the guard, the Lakers’ scouting department had eyes set on Cam Whitmore. However, Pelinka, citing medical history as the primary concern, preferred Hood-Schifino.

His decision has significantly backfired, as Jalen has played only 21 games for the Lakers. Moreover, he puts 1.6 points (22.2% FG), 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists on the stat sheet per game.

On the other hand, Jaime Jaquez Jr. averages 12.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game for the Miami Heat; having played 61 games. Brandin Podziemski has displayed signs of becoming a dependable starter, posting 9.6 points on 44.9% efficiency, while garnering 5.8 rebounds for the Golden State Warriors. Moreover, Cam Whitmore, despite his injuries, puts up 12.1 points under 18 minutes per game, while shooting above 45% clip.

As the 2024 drafts nears, fingers rise on Rob Pelinka’s decision-making. Moreover, it highlights the Lakers’ slim roster off the court, potentially forcing them to make sizeable changes within the franchise.

Pelinka needs to make coaching changes to the Lakers

Apart from scouting for players, Pelinka has stirred discussions around the coaching department as well. When the Lakers were heavily searching for a head coach before their championship season, Pelinka failed to materialize deals with the top candidates. He low-balled an offer to Tyronne Lue, waited long on Monty Williams, and demoted Jason Kidd’s prospect.

Moreover, when their last option, Frank Vogel, enabled them to lift a championship, the most lucrative offer Pelinka put on the table was a 1-year extension. Couple that with pushing a roster that goes beyond Vogel’s playbook and the Lakers failed to make it to the playoffs, firing Frank hours after their last game of the season.

Read More – Kobe Bryant Helped Rob Pelinka Secure Lakers Role, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Claims

If Pelinka aims to alter the notions around his judgment, he needs to find a replacement for Darvin Ham next season. One that lifts the Lakers significantly, keeping them out of fighting for the entirety of the season.