Rob Pelinka’s ability as GM questioned after Klay Thompson denied Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to sign or trade for any player this off-season.

Rob Pelinka’s ability as GM questioned after Klay Thompson denied Lakers

Nick Wright questions Rob Pelinka's ability as GM after Klay Thompson declined to join

This off-season was supposed to fix some issues plaguing the Los Angeles Lakers roster. LeBron James had a list of preferred players he wanted his team to pursue. Secondly, he gave them leeway by offering to take a pay cut if they did land one of those free agents. Alas, not one of those efforts has materialized. This development led analyst Nick Wright to question the abilities of Rob Pelinka as a GM.

The long-time analyst discussed free agency on First Things First on FS1. There, he explained his reasoning for questioning Rob Pelinka’s abilities. Wright heard that Pelinka didn’t speak to Klay Thompson in person or on the phone. He reasoned that a GM must aim to recruit, which can only happen if there is direct contact with the player.

The Athletic reported that Rob Pelinka never actually got Klay on the phone. He got his agent on the phone. So, while Michael Finley and Nico Harrison are sitting at dinner with Klay Thompson, Rob Pelinka is like straight to voice mail. What’s going on?
Nick Wright via First Things First
YouTube video

Nick Wright elaborated on what was reported by the Athletic. It clearly shows that Pelinka was not on top of his game when trying to recruit Klay Thompson. Wright was livid that Pelinka did not speak directly with Thompson. It only made him wonder if Pelinka has what it takes to be a General Manager of the most storied franchise in the league.

FS Video

On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks front office went all in on Klay Thompson. In one way, it shows that Pelinka needs to step up his game if he has to make moves to bring success to the Lakers. Some key additions remain necessary for the Lakers, and Pelinka must deliver before the season begins.

Rob Pelinka on the hot seat

Last off-season, Rob Pelinka was designated as the winner of the off-season after his signings and trades made the Lakers much better on paper. However, the moves did not materialize due to the team’s inability to develop younger players or give them clearly defined roles. Injuries compounded the matter as the season progressed.

This off-season, the former agent turned GM is the first staff on any organization to find himself on the hot seat. He has not landed any free agents and has yet to secure any trades. All that is left is the team he built last off-season. Therefore, if by any chance the Los Angeles Lakers struggle when the season starts, owner Jeanie Buss might call him into her office with a set of documents ready.

Although there is still time, no one looks likely to join LeBron James and the team in purple and gold. Rob Pelinka could hope new head coach JJ Redick develops the youngsters at a faster-than-usual pace and starts winning like a true contender. Otherwise, he could be the first non-player to get the boot.

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