Bob Meyers could be the solution to the Lakers’ consistent roster problems. Under the Pelinka regime, the Lakers always seem to be a step behind. A change to their basketball operations might be what is necessary in Los Angeles if they want to maintain their status as the premier franchise in the NBA.
Pelinka’s Track Record
Rob Pelinka hasn’t done a good job. This has been obvious for multiple seasons. The Lakers have consistently lagged behind league trends and run into the same issues. The rosters lack shooting, athleticism, and positional balance. Guards who can’t defend, wings forced to play out of position, and lineups that rely on stars to make up for structural flaws have become the norm rather than the exception.
So should the Lakers fire Rob Pelinka? The answer isn’t that simple. Firing the guy who got you Luka Doncic and set up your franchise for the next decade is a bad look. But let’s not act like you would be firing a visionary or generational talent. He simply did what any other GM in the league (except Nico Harrison, apparently) would do. He got offered Luka Doncic and said yes. That move won’t matter if he continues to mess up the roster in the Luka era.
Why the Lakers Don’t Have to Fire Pelinka
But here’s where the solution becomes simple. The Lakers don’t have to fire Rob Pelinka. He currently holds two titles: general manager and vice president of basketball operations. They just need to strip him of one of those titles, lighten his workload, and bring in someone more qualified.
Why Bob Myers Fits
Bob Myers built a dynasty with the Golden State Warriors. He wasn’t just ahead of the trends, he was setting them. Myers consistently prioritized shooting, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ, while balancing short-term contention with long-term sustainability.
Most importantly, Myers understands what modern basketball looks like. He’s navigated ownership pressure, managed elite personalities, and adapted as the league evolved. Those are skills the Lakers desperately need at the top of their basketball operations.
Money Isn’t an Obstacle
When new ownership comes in, they usually want their own fingerprints on the operation. And if you’re going to start reshaping the franchise, it makes sense to begin with the part that’s been holding it back the most.
Mark Walter, the Lakers (and Dodgers) owner, has built successful dynasties by surrounding himself with the best of the best. The best available now is Bob Myers. But the most important thing is that Walter has deep pockets. There’s no salary cap for executives. No luxury tax and no apron. If the Lakers want Bob Myers, they just have to give him an offer he can’t refuse. Throw a bunch of money his way and make him the highest-paid GM in history.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers seem to keep repeating the same mistakes. If they want to see progress, they need to change the people in charge. So far, they’ve done so with ownership, but now it’s time for the next step. Change up the basketball operations and hire Bob Myers.
