- Austin Reaves’ brother responds to rumor of Lakers guard and Taylor Swift linking up
- Rui Hachimura addresses his future with Lakers, reveals what he’s looking for in free agency
- Report: Mavs have signaled ‘little willingness’ to execute Kyrie Irving sign-and-trade with Lakers
- Damian Lillard jabs Lakers for their treatment of Russell Westbrook as he discusses his future in NBA
- Lakers future draft picks: upcoming 1st- and 2nd-round draft picks
- Report: Lakers working out another batch of intriguing prospects
- Eastern Conference GM says it’s Chris Paul’s dream to play with Lakers and LeBron James
- Report: Chris Paul would be ‘very coveted’ by Lakers and Clippers
- C.J. McCollum ranks Anthony Davis over Nikola Jokic as tougher player he’s had to face in playoffs
- Patrick Beverley seemingly opposed to Nick Wright possibly replacing Shannon Sharpe on ‘Undisputed’
Report: Rob Pelinka has the ‘full support and trust’ of Jeanie Buss
- Updated: March 7, 2022
Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing season, Rob Pelinka still has the support of Jeanie Buss, according to a recent report.
Sam Amick and Bill Oram of The Athletic offered some insight into the relationship between Pelinka and Buss.
“Before and after the meeting, this much remained clear about Buss: Even if there’s criticism coming from all corners, she’s unapologetic about the counsel she keeps and the people she chooses to empower,” Amick and Oram wrote. “And often, it seems, the significance of the history she has with each of her chosen allies is lost on most observers. Take Pelinka, for example, the longtime agent for [Kobe] Bryant and close friend of Buss, who sources say still has her full support and trust.”
The meeting referenced by Amick and Oram included Buss, Pelinka and Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. It came after Paul’s client, LeBron James, made comments that raised questions about his future with the Lakers.
Speculation about major shakeups in L.A. has risen due to the Lakers’ disappointing season. Before the season started, the team was considered to be a solid contender for the 2022 NBA title, but the Lakers are now simply trying to reach the postseason.
One of the chief reasons for the Lakers’ woes has been injuries, most notably to superstar Anthony Davis. However, chemistry issues with Russell Westbrook have also been a concern.
The Lakers acquired Westbrook during the offseason, and the move hasn’t panned out. The team is 28-35 on the season.
Despite the Lakers’ 7-16 record over their last 23 games, Pelinka’s status is apparently not in question. Exactly how bad things would have to get for Buss to change her mind remains to be seen.