🚨BREAKING: A former NBA executive says the Lakers’ front-office shakeup shouldn’t stop with Joey and Jesse Buss — and that Mark Walter must fire Rob Pelinka if Los Angeles wants any chance of winning a title in the Luka Dončić era. The ex-exec insists Pelinka “isn’t that good,” argues Magic Johnson still hasn’t forgiven him, and claims the big offseason signings were actually secured by Dončić and Reaves — not Pelinka.👇

🚨 BREAKING: Former NBA Executive Drops Bombshell — Says Lakers Must Fire Rob Pelinka If They Want Any Chance at a Title in the Luka Dončić Era

The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to chaos, scrutiny, and front-office drama. But the latest grenade thrown into the organization didn’t come from a reporter, a rival GM, or a frustrated fan.

It came from a former NBA executive who worked closely with multiple teams and says the Lakers’ current front-office shakeup — centered around Joey and Jesse Buss possibly stepping back — is “just the beginning” of what he believes needs to happen.

According to this ex-exec, there is a far bigger problem in Los Angeles:

Rob Pelinka.

And he didn’t mince words.

“Pelinka isn’t that good,” the former executive said. “If Mark Walter is serious about building a long-term contender around Luka Dončić, then the first move isn’t firing the Buss brothers — it’s firing Pelinka.”

With one quote, he opened the door to one of the most explosive conversations swirling behind the scenes in the NBA.

A Warning Shot at Pelinka — From Someone Who’s Been There

This isn’t a random hot take.
This is a warning from someone who has worked inside draft rooms, negotiated contracts, and interacted with team owners.

The ex-exec claims that Pelinka’s reputation around the league is far shakier than Lakers fans realize:

• “He’s made more enemies than allies.”

• “He’s notorious for taking credit for other people’s work.”

• “He survived the Magic Johnson fallout, but that doesn’t mean anyone forgot it.”

And then came the dagger:

“Magic still hasn’t forgiven him.”

According to the executive, the strain between Magic Johnson and Pelinka — which famously led to Magic abruptly resigning as Lakers President of Basketball Operations — still lingers over the franchise. People inside the league remember the accusations Magic made: backstabbing, undermining, and a toxic culture.

“Magic doesn’t hold grudges publicly,” the exec said. “But behind the scenes? That relationship was broken. And a lot of people around the league believe Pelinka was the problem, not Magic.”

Why The Pelinka Criticism Is Exploding Now

What triggered this renewed criticism?
A front-office shakeup the Lakers hoped would be quiet.

Recent reports suggest the Lakers are shifting responsibilities away from Joey and Jesse Buss — historically considered two of the organization’s top evaluators and basketball minds. They were the ones credited with finding late-round steals, developing role players, and building internal infrastructure.

Which raises the question:

Why are the Buss brothers stepping back while Pelinka remains untouched?

The ex-exec says it’s backward logic.

“Joey and Jesse built the scouting department. They kept the Lakers afloat during their worst years. Pelinka inherited the house — he didn’t build it.”

The Luka Dončić Factor

But the most explosive part of the exec’s comments came when discussing the Lakers’ new superstar: Luka Dončić.

“If the Lakers want to win in the Luka era, they need competence. They need vision. They need a modern basketball architect. Pelinka is none of those things.”

In his view, Luka is a generational offensive engine who requires:

• A deep roster

• Smart, analytics-driven roster building

• Shooting everywhere

• Tough, versatile defenders

• A clear long-term plan

• A front office that can negotiate and build relationships across the league

“And that’s not Pelinka’s strength,” he said.

“The Big Signings Weren’t His Work”

The executive then revealed his harshest accusation — claiming Pelinka wasn’t the driving force behind the Lakers’ big offseason signings.

“Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves got those guys. Not Rob.”

According to him, in a league where relationships drive decisions, the Lakers’ star duo did more recruiting than the general manager.

The exec outlined the real chain of influence:

• Luka Dončić personally called multiple free agents

• Reaves pitched players on the culture, the system, and the shared chemistry

• LeBron added star-level credibility

• The California market did the rest

“Rob Pelinka closed the deals, sure — but he didn’t create them,” the exec said.
“That’s like showing up at the last second to sign the paperwork and calling yourself the CEO.”

A Pattern the Lakers Can’t Ignore Anymore

This former exec believes the Lakers fall into the same trap year after year:

They overvalue Pelinka’s role in success and undervalue the players, coaches, and scouts actually making the organization function.

He listed examples:

• The 2020 title team was largely built by Magic, Jesse, Joey, and LeBron’s recruiting pull.

• The 2021–2023 failures were tied to Pelinka’s questionable roster moves and short-term gambles.

• The Russell Westbrook trade — one of the most disastrous in franchise history — was pushed through under Pelinka’s watch.

• Letting Alex Caruso walk (over a tiny financial difference) was a decision many believe Pelinka mishandled.

• The constant coaching turnover is a sign of instability rather than confidence.

“You can’t keep blaming coaches,” the exec said. “At some point, the front office is the problem.”

What Mark Walter Must Decide

Mark Walter — the quiet, powerful billionaire behind the Lakers’ ownership structure — rarely immerses himself in public basketball debates.

But the ex-exec insists this decision must be made at the top.

“If Walter wants the Lakers to function like a modern NBA franchise, he has to install a real president of basketball operations. Someone experienced. Someone respected. Someone the league takes seriously.”

He pointed to organizations like:

• Boston (Brad Stevens)

• Denver (Calvin Booth)

• Milwaukee (Jon Horst)

• Miami (Pat Riley / Andy Elisburg)

Each has:

• Consistent philosophy

• Modern team-building

• Trust among agents

• Alignment from owner to coach

“Right now, the Lakers don’t have that.”

What Happens If Pelinka Stays

The exec didn’t sugarcoat the consequences.

“If Pelinka stays, the Lakers will always be reactive instead of proactive. Luka will carry them to the playoffs, but they won’t maximize him. They won’t build around him properly. And eventually, the relationship will strain.”

He compared it to Dallas:

“Dallas wasted Luka’s early years with bad front-office decisions. If the Lakers repeat that mistake, it’ll be a disaster.”

What Happens If Pelinka Is Fired

“Then they have a chance,” he said plainly.
“A real chance.”

Because in his view, the core of the organization is already championship-worthy:

• Luka

• LeBron (even at this stage)

• Anthony Davis

• Austin Reaves

• A strong market

• A legendary brand

• Massive TV and sponsorship influence

• Unmatched recruiting pull

“What they don’t have is elite, modern management. Fix that — and the Lakers become terrifying.”

The Bottom Line

This former NBA executive didn’t hold back.

In his view:

✔ Joey and Jesse Buss stepping back isn’t the problem
✔ Luka Dončić gives the Lakers a rare championship window
✔ Austin Reaves is the heart of the team’s culture
✔ But Rob Pelinka is the obstacle

His message to owner Mark Walter was blunt:

“If you want to win in the Luka era, fire Rob Pelinka. It’s that simple.”