Rob Pelinka Reveals Lakers' Trade Deadline Strategy

BYAlexander Cole2.1K Views
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Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers walks to the court before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Rob Pelinka has some work to do.

Rob Pelinka is someone who has been criticized a lot by Lakers fans. He is the general manager of the team, and aside from their title in 2020, they have been pretty bad. Overall, the team has made some very questionable moves, and Pelinka is largely responsible. Having said that, fans want him to make some redeeming moves.

These moves could most certainly be pulled off around the trade deadline. In fact, the deadline is coming up and the Lakers are seen as buyers. Consequently, they already went out and got an upgrade in Rui Hachimura. That said, fans are still expecting a lot more from Pelinka.

Rob Pelinka attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on November 02, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Rob Pelinka Speaks

Recently, according to Clutch Points, Rob Pelinka was asked about the Lakers’ trade deadline strategy. Additionally, reporters were curious as to whether the Lakers would use the two first-round picks that they own in 2027 and 2029. Overall, Pelinka was firm with his answer.

“I think the calculus for the Lakers is to win a championship or not. There’s no in-between or incremental growth. So, as we analyze opportunities, we have to do it through that lens. … If there’s an opportunity to get all the way to the end and win a championship, there’s no resource we’ll hold onto if we feel like that’s there,” Pelinka said. “The completely unwise thing to do would be to shoot a bullet early and then not have it later when you have a better championship move to make. So that’s a really delicate calculus.

“If we see a move that puts us as a frontrunner to get another championship — the 18th one here — we’ll make it. And if that move doesn’t present itself, we’ll be smart and make it at a later time.”

If you are a Lakers fan, this should be some good news. It means that your team actually wants to win, and they will make improvements if they can find some. However, this is no guarantee that a trade gets made.

Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. Additionally, let us know who you think the Lakers should get, in the comments down below.

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About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current editor-in-chief of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. It was here where he began to hone his craft, putting his journalism degree from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, to good use. Since that time, he has documented some of the biggest stories in the hip-hop world. From the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef to the disturbing allegations against Diddy, Alex has helped HotNewHipHop navigate large-scale stories as they happen. In 2021, he went to the Bahamas for the Big 3's Championship Game. It was here where he got to interview legendary figures like Ice Cube, Clyde Drexler, and Stephen Jackson. He has also interviewed other superstar athletes such as Antonio Brown, Damian Lillard, and Paul Pierce. This is in addition to conversations with social media provocateurs like Jake Paul, and younger respected artists like Kaycyy, Lil Tecca, and Jeleel!
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