Podcast: Why Jeanie Buss might actually keep Rob Pelinka around

Reports on what the Los Angeles Lakers will do next now that Magic Johnson has resigned have been few and far between, but initially, it seems like Jeanie Buss is leaning towards keeping Rob Pelinka. It’s obviously her call, but doing so puts her squarely at the center of analysis in ways she hasn’t been before. If Jeanie does go in that direction, it’s important to understand why she would do so, even if so many seem to think it would mean putting the Lakers in a worse spot, and how such a decision would help us predict her direction moving forward.

Today’s shows focus on that and where the Lakers can go from here.

The 30

In this episode of The 30 podcast, Jas is joined by our own Alex Regla. Being that this has been one of the wildest weeks in recent Laker history, Alex and Jas touch on Magic Johnson’s shocking resignation.

Following that, they break down the recent reports that other NBA executives and player agents find Rob Pelinka difficult to deal with, and why despite this, the Lakers might be increasing his role with the organization.

Following that, Alex and Jas dissect LeBron James’ recent comments that it isn’t fair to compare him to Laker great Kobe Bryant, and that he wants to bring the Lakers back into championship contention.

The episode wraps up with Alex and Jas looking into which players on current roster that the team should bring back next season.

Listen below for their entire conversation and, for more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts.

Locked on Lakers

On today’s show, Pete and I discuss what Jeanie prioritizing comfort over prudence would mean.

We also discussed the predicament the Lakers currently find themselves in, and what’s at stake here. While the situation is obviously extreme, this really isn’t that difficult a decision, and if Jeanie gets this wrong, she’ll be held accountable in ways she really hasn’t been to this point.

I also contextualized why Jeanie might keep Pelinka despite the opportunity cost of doing so, and it has a lot to do with her own background. I’m not excusing the decision, mind you, just explaining why it might happen.

You can listen to the entire episode below, and make sure to subscribe on iTunes, where you can also leave questions in the form of a five-star review to guarantee your topic makes the show.