The Los Angeles Lakers are undergoing a transition after billionaire Mark Walter secured majority ownership when the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the $10 billion sale from the Buss family in October 2025.
Amid that shift, questions surfaced regarding Rob Pelinka’s future with the franchise, and those were addressed Tuesday: He is staying.
Fans React to Rob Pelinka’s Role With Lakers Amid Ownership Transition
Pelinka will continue overseeing basketball operations with the Lakers.
Fresh off a contract extension and supported by new Lakers business president Lon Rosen, Pelinka will handle roster decisions with input from Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi.
“In a conversation with reporters, new Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen says the plan is for Rob Pelinka, with input from Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, will continue to handle basketball operations,” Lakers reporter Dan Woike reported.
“Pelinka told reporters the plan is to have an expanded front office this summer.”
Several Lakers fans expressed frustration with the decision. While Pelinka orchestrated the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic in exchange for Anthony Davis, he has also drawn criticism for other roster moves, including a relatively quiet trade deadline despite the addition of Luke Kennard.
“I’m praying for Luka man it’s over,” one fan said.
“Idiots. This man is one of if not the worst GM in the league. Building a team around LeBron and Luka are basically the same players, yet we get Luka and we are no where near building around him,” another said.
“No. It’s time for him to go man. We need to blow that front office up. Rob just treats his job like it’s secured and it bothers me. If LeBron stays on the lakers Rob needs to go. If we get rid of bron then I suppose he can stay,” another added.
Other fans shared mixed reactions online.
Walter’s purchase concluded 46 years of majority control by the Buss family but retained Jeanie Buss as team governor for at least five more years.
Walter, who is also controlling owner of the Dodgers and Sparks, acquired more than 85% of the franchise, leaving the Buss family with a minority stake of over 15%.
The $10 billion transaction represents the highest valuation ever for a sports franchise, surpassing the Celtics’ $6.1 billion sale.
