The Los Angeles Lakers weren’t just beaten—they were exposed. A 117–95 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the playoffs left fans frustrated, analysts scratching their heads, and all eyes on LeBron James to make sense of the chaos. But beneath the scoreboard was a deeper issue simmering for months: the front office’s failure to fix the Lakers’ biggest hole. While the spotlight remains on the King, it’s the growing pressure on GM Rob Pelinka that’s stealing the stage—and fans are letting him hear it loud and clear.

After the game, LeBron kept it real when asked about the Lakers’ turnover woes and defensive breakdowns. He didn’t sugarcoat anything, pointing out that the Timberwolves turned their 13 turnovers into 18 points while the Lakers could only manage 9 from Minnesota’s 10 giveaways. “Well, obviously, you know, taking care of the ball versus team ideas is very important,” LeBron said, trying to steady the mood.

But he didn’t stop there. James added, “But anytime you’re in the postseason, you’ve got to take care of the ball. And if you turn the ball over, you’ve got to try your best to get back and transition and not allow them to get points.” He’s not wrong—those little moments add up in playoff basketball. But it’s also clear that LeBron’s frustration runs deeper than missed rotations or sloppy passes. It’s about the construction of this team and the support—or lack thereof—he’s getting on the court.

Lakers fans enter roast mode: Pelinka, please phone a center!

So now, after months of missed opportunities and roster misfires, fans are turning their attention to the man upstairs. No, not that one—the other one. Rob Pelinka.

“If Rob Pelinka had gone and gotten us a center, we would’ve won because LeBron wouldn’t have had to play center,” one fan vented online, echoing the frustration of thousands more. It wasn’t just a game—they’re seeing a pattern. It’s true that the Lakers were hunting for a center, and at the 2025 trade deadline, they were on the verge of acquiring 7-foot center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. The trade would have sent Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and future draft picks in return, but Williams’ failed physical nixed the deal, leaving the Lakers scrambling for answers at the center position.

Another fan added, “Lakers haven’t won a playoff game since Rob Pelinka got his extension,” and the sting of that statement hit harder than a Pat Bev screen. There’s some truth to that—Pelinka received a contract extension on April 18, 2025. The very next day, the Lakers lost Game 1 of their playoff series. So far, they haven’t managed a playoff win since Pelinka’s extension was announced.

Then came the big one: “Rob Pelinka you got your money. Please for the love of god get a center in the offseason, trade whoever you need to just get Luka some help.” That sentiment’s been on repeat from frustrated fans, who remember the Lakers’ history of bold moves. The 2019 offseason acquisition of Anthony Davis, who helped bring a championship to LA in 2020, remains a prime example of how Pelinka’s big moves can pay off. Fans are now hoping he’ll take similar decisive action to shore up the center position.

That’s the thing—this isn’t just about one playoff loss. It’s about what it represents: a team with two generational stars still searching for structure. LeBron has been here before. He knows the difference between teams that can truly compete and those that are just pretending. Right now, the Lakers are flirting with the latter.

One fan said it best: “Rob Pelinka, get to work. You see what’s going on. Don’t waste Luka’s years—let’s go.” With Luka Dončić now a central piece, the Lakers’ front office is reportedly exploring center options. Potential targets include Mitchell Robinson (Knicks), Robert Williams III (Trail Blazers), Nic Claxton (Nets), Clint Capela (Hawks), and Steven Adams (Rockets). Each brings something unique, but all offer the defensive anchor the Lakers are sorely lacking.

As the arbitration with the Hornets drags on and the big-man void remains unfilled, Lakers fans aren’t just asking questions—they’re demanding answers. And while LeBron is doing what he can on the court, it’s clear that the real fix needs to come from the top. Whether Rob Pelinka steps up or not could define the rest of the season—and maybe the final chapter of LeBron’s Lakers legacy.