Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Rob Pelinka across Basketball, Soccer.
The Los Angeles Lakers reshaped their lineup with a high‑value acquisition of Walker Kessler, sacrificing future draft capital while positioning the new center for extensive minutes alongside Luka Dončić.
The Los Angeles Lakers completed a sign‑and‑trade for Walker Kessler, committing $130 million over four years and surrendering two unprotected first‑round picks. The move locks in a defensive anchor who is expected to log 30‑plus minutes per game alongside Luka Dončić, but it also leaves the team with virtually no tradable picks for the next seven years.
The NBA is set to broaden its draft lottery to include 16 teams and penalize the worst performers, a move that could boost the Lakers' future picks but also adds layers of complexity that critics say may alienate fans. The league's push for intricate rule changes, including a sunset provision set for 2029, has drawn criticism for prioritizing team‑building gymnastics over the simple enjoyment of the game.
In a playful yet insightful exercise, Luka Doncic imagined a soccer superstar, picking LeBron James for strength, Tyrese Maxey for speed, and Nikola Jokic for style, while the Lakers pledge to build around him and keep LeBron in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers are planning significant front office changes, including the recruitment of assistant general managers and an offered role for Steve Senior, who declined the position.
The franchise must balance the financial upside of re‑signing LeBron James against the basketball constraints it creates, while personal ties and recent playoff performance add further nuance.