Stephen A. Smith believes Rob Pelinka’s tenure running basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers could end after Josh Kushner and Bob Iger take control of the franchise. Smith also identified former Golden State Warriors president Bob Myers as the executive he would pursue to replace Pelinka.
“I think Rob Pelinka will not be there running basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. I don’t believe that will happen moving forward,” Smith said. “If there is a way to get [Bob Myers], I think you go get him. This is my belief.”
Pelinka’s future has become a major question as the Lakers transition toward a new ownership group led by Kushner and Iger. The proposed sale, reported at approximately $12.5 billion, still requires approval from the NBA Board of Governors, meaning the ownership change is not yet complete.
The Lakers are entering the 2026-27 season after a significant roster overhaul under Pelinka. Los Angeles finished 53-29 in 2025-26, good for fourth in the Western Conference, before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference semifinals.
Luka Doncic was the centerpiece of that team, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range. Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists in 51 games while shooting 49.0% from the field and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
The offseason strategy then shifted toward building a longer-term core around Doncic, Reaves and Walker Kessler. The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade and gave him a four-year, $130 million contract, while Reaves received a four-year, $185 million extension.
Those commitments leave the Lakers with approximately $475 million tied to the three-player core, while the organization also surrendered two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps in the Kessler transaction.
The roster changes also included the departures of LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Los Angeles added Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Matisse Thybulle, Kevon Looney and Ziaire Williams as part of the restructuring.
That puts substantial importance on the decisions made by the front office, particularly with the Lakers having limited draft capital and salary flexibility available for future moves. Kessler is expected to anchor the defense behind a projected lineup built around Doncic and Reaves.
Myers would bring a championship résumé to any potential Lakers front-office search. During his time with Golden State, he was part of an organization that won four NBA championships, although Smith’s comments represent his own belief about what the Lakers should do rather than confirmation of an impending executive change.
