The Lakers completely owned the 2019-20 season, leaving no doubt about their superiority as they cruised through the bubble playoffs. However, the grind of a late finish and barely any offseason hit hard in 2020-21. Injuries to Anthony Davis and Lebron James wrecked their back-to-back dreams, leaving them knocked out in the first round. To make matters worse, GM Rob Pelinka broke up that championship squad by trading away key guys like Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Russell Westbrook and letting Alex Caruso bounce in free agency. Fans felt the sting hard as the team’s once-bright future started to fade.
Recently, former Lakers player Dwight Howard voiced his frustration and disappointment over the 2020 offseason moves on the Gils Arena podcast.“Rob kinda messed up the dynasty we was starting. We would have had at least 2 championships and an opportunity to fight for a third one,” Howard said.
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Howard was one of the key pieces who didn’t make it back after the Lakers snagged that 2020 chip. Even though he came back for the 2021-22 season, it was a tough pill to swallow—the squad had already fallen apart, and the spark from their championship run felt like it was long gone. “We had 4 bigs that could play at any time. AD, boogie, Javale, and myself,” Howard asserted. Moreover, it was a crucial time for the Lakers, as young guys, like Anthony Edwards and the others, were maturing and finding their place. And Jokic, well, he wasn’t the superstar he is today; back then, he was still developing, according to Howard. To add to this, Howard was not the only one who felt this way.
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Ex-Lakers coach backed up Dwight Howard by calling out Rob Pelinka
Rob Pelinka was back at it in 2024, stirring up drama just like he did in 2020 when he tore apart the Lakers’ championship squad. After a rough playoff run and getting bounced 4-1 by the Nuggets, Pelinka went all-in and axed the entire coaching staff, including Darvin Ham and Phil Handy.
Handy, clearly hurt by Pelinka’s decision, didn’t hold back his feelings. He showed his support for Dwight Howard’s criticism by commenting “Facts!” on Instagram, making it clear he wasn’t happy with how things unfolded.
Phil Handy took a shot at Rob Pelinka 😬
(H/T @Klutch_23) pic.twitter.com/5yPmHtfiAG
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) August 30, 2024
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Adding to the disappointment, this offseason has been a letdown so far, with little excitement around the team. Besides signing Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million contract and adding former Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht and former USC guard Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft, Pelinka hasn’t made significant changes to the Lakers’ roster.
Fans are growing increasingly restless, questioning whether the Lakers will ever reclaim their former glory. Given Rob Pelinka’s track record of questionable decisions, it’s no wonder they’re doubting his moves. What are your thoughts on this?
