Ahead of the annual Media Day, the Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and HC JJ Redick hosted a press conference of their own to mentally prepare the NBA community for what’s coming next on the Los Angeles side. While justifying their no-trading decision this summer, Pelinka emphasized his trump cards. The franchise has two first-round draft picks in 2029 and 2031 that they could use prior to the trade deadline to bolster the roster. However, that bubble burst when Pelinka and the Lakers fans were provided with a reality check.

Daniel Starkand joined Trevor Lane on the Lakers Nation podcast to discuss some of the points Pelinka mentioned during the presser. The host stated that the franchise reportedly has connected to players like Jerami Grant and Kyle Kuzma, for whom their respective teams would want the two first-round picks. But the Lakers are not agreeing to it as the GM wants to add players who would help them secure “sustainable Lakers excellence.”

Lane then asked his guest if Pelinka’s demand would get the Lakers a trade. “There might be trades out there if you’re willing to trade one of them where you’re getting, like a starting caliber role player. But I don’t know. Like, A, two picks isn’t getting you a star,” Daniel Starkand said, via Lakers Nation podcast.

Bringing the reference to Mikal Bridges, he further added, “We’ve seen some of the deals that have gone down in the NBA. Like, Mikal Bridges got traded for 5 first-round picks or whatever the case may be, and he’s not really a star. Like, he’s a really high-level role player, but, you know, the prices are crazy for stars, and two first-round picks isn’t gonna get it done.”

Pelinka plans to bring in a star player who could help LeBron James and Anthony Davis. For the past couple of seasons, the squad has heavily relied on them. Being the aces, they have delivered remarkably, but now the team needs someone to share their burden and help them in the future. But failure is not something that the franchise is anticipating. Moreover, Pelinka has limited time to get his ducks in line before time runs out for him.

Rob Pelinka looking ahead to his do-or-die season

Following a successful career as the players’ agent, Rob Pelinka paved his path to the Lakers front office in 2017. Impressed with the title-winning season (2020), the organization extended his contract in 2022. As it stands, the Vice President would be entering the second last season of his contract.

Continuing in a franchise like the Lakers comes with a lot of challenges and the way things are going with Pelinka, if he fails to bring a significant change, the LA side might not be interested in extending the contract further after the 2025-26 season.

After parting ways with Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince, the Lakers haven’t made any major changes other than adding an inexperienced head coach and rookies, Bronny James, Dalton Knecht, and Christian Koloko. So Pelinka needs to buckle up and make a move to get the Lakers back in the title race. But will two first-round picks be enough?