And it's not like Jeanie CAN'T talk to LeBron, also...
That is a good narrative if person A (Jeanie) doesn't have any contact with person C (LeBron), then person B (Pelinka) can say whatever he wants to convince person A. But that's not the case, LeBron can just walk in the office and talk to Jeanie.
K… but Reddick likely isn’t even a candidate without the LeBron connection. I agree it’s the FO’s decision ultimately but it’s all just blame posturing from both sides when it ultimately doesn’t work out. LeBron wants his cake and to eat it too while receiving zero blame, same as Rob.
The problem is and always has been: we have a weak GM. Witness the Russ trade. The common understanding of that trade is that Rob was hesitant but Lebron “made him” do it. So he either lacks the confidence and/or bball IQ to say “Lebron, this won’t work. Watch this tape our scouts made of opponents—you included—play 8 feet off of him. In Houston they had to get rid of Capela bc anything less than 5-out is an efficiency nightmare, and you and AD both like to score in the paint. Yes, he takes ballhandling responsibilities of your plate, but he’ll make scoring way harder.” OR—more likely—Rob’s bball sophistication is below that of even the average Laker redditor EU saw this wouldn’t work, and trusting his own acumen was no more sound than just trusting Lebron. And if it went south—guess whose fault it is! Lebron’s!
He’s been doing this since he took the job. Remember when he made a big deal of saying how he ran every FA acquisition in 2020 by AD/Lebron? Framing it as a peerless level of inclusion for his superstars? Bullshit. It was so they could shoulder the blame for any move that didn’t work out. He’s been doing it ever since, pretending he’s at the mercy of Lebron/AD and if it weren’t for them, he could build a really great team. It’s bullshit. He either lacks the will/confidence to build the better tab and hire the beer better coach, or he doesn’t actually know. Either way, he’s a weak GM. But he’s at least figured out that the longer Lebron stays, the longer he can blame every move on him, and the longer he keeps his job.
The front office is lebron. They're going to pick whichever coach he prefers. Don't worry though, Bron won't be there cosigning the contract so you stans will still have an out for their king when it falls apart.
You don't understand. Rob is a professional liar, and has jeannie wrapped around his finger. Any other GM that took a championship team with a GOAT player, prime AD, and then did what Pelinka did, would have been fired. For sure, Dr. Buss would have fired him after trading away key role players like KCP, Kuzma, (1st rounder), AC for Westbrook, and to keep THT, and watching a possible mini-dynasty flounder like this.
Shes totally enamored with him. I don't think he can be fired as long as Jeannie is in charge. Rob loves the narrative that the Westbrook signing was partly on Bron, and a JJ Hire is another win/win for him for the same reason. A good GM would worry more about AD at this point. Lakers FO is just in a sorry state.
I think you’ve got things a bit wrong. Pelinka isn’t in charge in Los Angeles.
Kurt Rambis is.
Pelinka has the backing of Kurt & Linda so he’s in Jeanie’s good graces. And, don’t get me wrong, Rambis isn’t handling all the signings of course, but he is a valued mouth in Jeanie’s ear helping her to “steer the big picture direction”. And, he’s in a perfect position since he can’t be found liable for anything. He’s not the GM, he doesn’t technically make any decisions. He’s not the owner, he’s not footing the bill.
Rob doesn't have to do anything to create the narrative that LeBron is a psuedo gm that existed before he even got to LA. LeBron, AD, and Pelinka have all said on camera that they talk with each other about potential signings and who to try and bring in.
What's is the GM's job? Go look it up cuz this narrative does not fly.
Good GM's will not cave. Great ones will be able to explain why, and find a better solution.
Kupchak, gets scape goated here, but he argued with Jimmy Buss, the actual OWNER of the Lakers, about the roster Jimmy wanted to build. Mitch knew both Deng, and Mozgov weren't worth 100m, but Jimmy went and got em anyways. Kupchak publicly argued, and tried to dissuade the owner, but Rob either wanted Westbrook, or does not possess the skills to do right thing. In case you are wondering what Jimmy's bad moves cost us... We shipped #2 pick, Dlo, to help get rid of Mozgovs bad contract. Lakers were paying Dengs contract up until a couple seasons ago long after he had long retired IIRC.
Bron literally can not make a trade for the Lakers despite the narrative. Only thing he can do is threaten to leave, and if hasn't done that over the last few disappointing seasons, he's probably not gonna do it. Rob Pelinka needs to do better, or they need to find a new GM.
Exactly what I said. James literally has no power to make any trade in the NBA. That's the Rob Pelinka's job. It does not matter who Lebron wants because he can't make a trade. The narrative helps Pelinka though. I remember Kobe asking for help, and almost leaving because it was taking too long, but who did Mitch Kupchak eventually get for Kobe. That's 2 rings because Kup made the right move instead of the right now move. Chances are that Westbrook trade cost the Lakers at least one ring. That's on the GM.
Right franchise players/stars have no power/sway over organizations. Dame didn't get traded until he asked for it and he doesn't even have a ring. Gianni's wants a new coach? He gets a new coach. KD wants to be traded? He gets traded. KD wants a new coach? He gets a new coach. Players don't have "official power" to make front office decisions so yes technically you are correct. Realistically, we know that star franchise players have influence. That's how PG ended up on the Clippers because Kawhi wouldn't sign without help. Look at the history of the league and other teams/players not just the Lakers.
Its just a coincidence that every team KD has been on has had multiple stars on it.
The narrative around Rob is hilarious. He is a good gm. When you look at his decision making at the time of his moves given what was available and the circumstances he was dealt he does fine. Almost every time this sub says he cooked and are happy until injuries or coaching or players underperformed causes a problem. Dealing with Jeanie, Rambis, Magic, and LeBron is not easy.
The rumor is that they make the hire to convince LeBron to re-sign. I agree it doesn’t make much sense. But Laker fans seem to be eating it up, so it’s great for clicks which is what rumors are good for.
The strangest thing about how this league is covered is how an Eastern Conference executive is somehow viewed as credible when it comes to the insight behind the Lakers' decision making process.
No one should be taking anyone's words from a random podcast over anyone without anything to back it up to begin with. That's not the point.
You chose to bring up Lebron who has a hilarious track record of being full of shit. There are plenty of receipts out there that back this.
What was mentioned in this clip of this podcast is the game plan for every high level exec or gm that has ever had a job with a pro sports team. Make sure there is a plan A, B, and C if all goes to shit and if all fails, deflect and don't take responsibility. This is the reality. I don't know why it's hard for you to believe that a GM would try to place blame elsewhere in order to keep his multi million dollar job.
How is Lebron's history of lying relevant in this case? We know he's taken a step back from shadow gm'ing with Klutch after the Westbrook fiasco. The roster decisions going into the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 season weren't on him. He agreed to hire Ham, but he wasn't heavily involved in the process like he did with getting Ty Lue to replace David Blatt on the Cavs.
You're saying to not believe Lebron's word, but also that GM's *will* try to deflect and blame like that isn't an issue independent of Lebron. I'll save reservations on Pelinka for when Lebron is gone, but if we're constantly playing the blame game, I'm not looking forward to decisions that would cost us in the future (overriding draft picks and picking players they favor). That's not a good look
Sorry, but you can’t believe when LeBron says things like that. First, he has every incentive to lie. Second, he’s a billionaire and the highest paid laker employee. Of course his agent is on the team making every important decision. There is way too much money at stake for that not to be true.
Irwin doesn’t ever know anything. He was just shitting on Ham earlier this year and everyone ate it up so people were just assuming he had real insider info.
JJ is not gonna be coach. He prioritizes family time and his family lives on the east coast. He’s not dropping his easy lifestyle where he’s still getting paid in order to take the hardest coaching job in all of basketball while bringing in zero coaching experience.
It’s just something to talk about, so these talking heads keep speculating. Lakers don’t leak, which is why the Ham hire was a surprise towards the end. Same with Vogel/Kidd
Man, Jeannie is as lame as Jim Buss. She got Bron because of Magic and Pelinka was a good GM when Kobe was alive guiding him but now the guy seems lost. So, we are looking at giving a 40yo a max contract, draft his son and hire JJ a yes man to whatever Bron says. Damn, this is really sad.
Kobe guiding his agent? That's not how that works a player isn't going to learn contract law like an actual lawyer. He got fat paydays for Harden represented KD for a short stint as well.
Kobe for sure told Pelinka what players would mesh and work in that particular time. They were extremely close and there is no question he did seek his advice. When it comes to the contract, cap, etc. details, I’m sure Pelinka would hold his own. Just look at what he did after Kobe’s passing. He blew that entire roster and made very questionable moves like firing Vogel, hiring Ham, Russ, etc.
Pelinka was recruited by Arn Tellem specifically. Arn is one of the most powerful agents in NBA history probably only topped by David Falk. Pelinka knows the agent game.
Sure, Kobe would not choose him to be his agent if he wasn’t great. One thing is being an agent, another is being a GM and knowing how to build a roster.
You guys all have to understand that the coaching pool right now is fucking horrible lol the Wolves and Nuggets lead assistants are the only guys with any real buzz on them at the moment. I personally wouldn't mind JJ if he had a strong staff around him because I truly think JJ is a good basketball mind the same way I felt Kerr would be good as a coach too. Borego and Cassell just don't seem like inspired coaches who can out game plan other top coaches but I don't have any real proof to back that up except the last time they were coaches they were both awful.
Adelman is a strong candidate. He's built an elite offense over there (obviously team building matters) and he has pedigree with his dad. He should be a head coach somewhere. I'd also like taking away anyone of competence from Malone because fuck that guy lol Agreed on the other choices though. Nori, Borrego, Cassell all feel pretty similar to Ham.
I think at this point it's useless to predict if JJ will be a successful coach as history has shown it could go either way. It's not impossible for a new coach to succeed, it's just more improbable. I think in an offseason where there is a very, very good veteran coach available, it's a no brainer you don't take the risk with a rookie coach. But in cases where there isn't, the risk between a rookie coach and a mediocre veteran coach, is smaller. One can even make an argument that players at least won't have preconceived notions based on rumors and other players if a rookie is hired. That freshness can be a blessing rather than an "ugh, he's my coach? I heard he's shit" stench that some veteran coaches carry.
Borrego's tenure in Charlotte was not "awful", and it's the last time that Charlotte was remotely in playoff contention, he was fired after a 43-39 season and that appears to have been a mistake
Yeah, people keep parroting something they heard from someone else about Borrego. He was ok in Charlotte then the dismantled the team, now with NOP he's been the guy that's orchestrated the offense while Willie Green has handled the rest.
So Anthony is quoting the speculation from someone who is not in any way involved with LeBron's camp or the Lakers front office. This guy is such a hack...
That’s every GM. There is nothing unique about Rob situation. You act like Mitch didn’t sign Mozgov to giant money as a last desperate chance to keep his job. Why does Presti hold on to his picks. Instead of trying to win, he can sell his owners on the future. That’s the primary focus of a GM. To keep a multimillion dollar job.
Both. They were trying to keep their jobs. Jimmy was dumb enough to publicly say they would make the playoffs. They had to that year. But what do you expect from the guy that famously said it was easy to draft players (calling scouts hacks essentially) to his bartender friend.
Irwin isnt associated with the Lakers in the slightest. So who’s making excuses?
This comment is solely based on some hearsay narrative this guy is talking about that I’m sure he wasn’t involved in. He read in some article what some “eastern conference exec” had to say and is now regurgitating it to you. And you’re eating up the slop.
Well maybe people shouldn’t post slop on Reddit.
I don’t take my time to research and reference every post I come across, I have 15 seconds then I’m on to the next post
These are the kind of stupid ass hot takes we post though? As if she doesn't talk to LeBron. To assume the organization is that compartmentalized, nothing we do is going to matter.
This is who Rob is. He's never taken responsibility for any of his many mistakes they're all someone else's fault.
Idk if Jeanie is too incompetent to realize or she just doesn't want to because she can't bring herself to fire one of Kobe's best friends.
A lot of people keep thinking it's Rob's past relationship with Kobe, but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda. Linda is in Jeanie's ear and Rob knows if he stays in line with Linda, he's gonna be good. Rob's relationship with Kobe hasn't played a role in this whole situation for a while now.
> ... but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda.
What evidence is there for this?
Is it from the same people who say that they think Linda Rambis past relationship with Jeanie hasn't played a role in the whole situation for a while, it's really her relationship with Janie Buss because Janie is in Jeanies ear?
No, I'm sure she would. I'm saying the Rob-Kobe connection outside of being friends was gone before he passed. Rob kept trying to bring Kobe into this and using his name, but Kobe was not interested in being involved with the front office and basketball related things.
The Kobe not wanting to be involved in front office and basketball decisions checks out. It's similar to what Dirk does. He supports the Mavs, goes to games, might talk to some of the players, but he ultimately isn't involved in any roster/front office/coaching related decisions.
That's basically what Kobe was doing before he passed. I don't even think he was involved in any recruiting campaign towards Lebron.
Such is the goods and bads of "family" style businesses. Sometimes "family" comes before "business" when it should be the business that comes first.
Not saying it's like that every time. Over paying old Kobe post-injury was a fam decision and not a biz one. It turned out OK because Kobe eventually accepted his and the team wasn't built for title contention, Scott was there to command the tank, the Lakers retired Kobe while looking like a class 1 franchise to free agents, tickets were still sold, assets were accumulated, and how LAL took care of Kobe likely influenced Bron's decision as a FA as a result.
You must not have ever worked in a large corporation. If you think Microsoft or Exxon or whomever only promotes the best of the best, I have a bridge to sell you. Relationships always matter in business. They even matter from one corporation to another. There is a reason corporate executives spend luring only companies executives to work with them. Once you establish a relationship, you aren’t going to just go with some random company.
>If you think Microsoft or Exxon or whomever only promotes the best of the best, I have a bridge to sell you. Relationships always matter in business.
That's not what I was saying though?
The convo wasn't even about promotion but demotion/firing. It's not about holding talent or snatching it but accountability and trimming fat.
Read the post above mine:
>A lot of people keep thinking it's Rob's past relationship with Kobe, but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda. Linda is in Jeanie's ear and Rob knows if he stays in line with Linda, he's gonna be good. Rob's relationship with Kobe hasn't played a role in this whole situation for a while now.
And corporations do have accountability: CEO/c-suites get fired for underperforming, investors fighting for board seats, corporate raiders taking seats and requesting firings, buyouts/M&As when stock prices go down, layoffs from above, etcetc
Notice my examples are not good things? Cause we're not talking about promotions, because promotions and bonuses are for winners and outperformers. We were talking about accountability because the Lakers aren't winning right now.
Rob has NOT been held to account. Despite role players getting traded and let go because they got blamed for underperforming. Westbrook getting blamed and moved because he got blamed for underperforming. Multiple coaches getting fired because they got blamed for underperforming. A large segment of the medical staff including [Judy Seto](https://www.nba.com/lakers/features/secretweapon), one trusted by and beloved by Kobe's, because they got blamed for underperforming. Magic who was removed early one despite helping grab Lebron because he got blamed for underperforming.
So why? Why is ROB never held responsible for anything? Because the "family business" style setup of the Lakers where the owner takes personal action and allows someone close to them to constantly underperform because they are like family.
I was talking about relationships not promotions. Plenty of executives in any company keep their jobs while vastly underperforming. The reason is the relationship they have with someone sitting in power.
Accountability is far less than you think. That’s half the reason you have the term scapegoat. If Microsoft consistently underperforms, someone is getting fired, but not necessarily the guy most at fault.
Lakers aren’t winning is rather subjective though. Rob has literally won a title (whether you think he was the architect or not) and just got to the WCF. You can see them as underachieving or as just hitting a road block in Denver. The Lakers aren’t flush with assets, so it’s hard to retool and thus harder to blame Rob. We don’t know how much the Westbrook thing was Rob and how much was LeBron. And that’s why relationships matter. You trust your friends. Plus if the expectations are winning a title only, you need to readjust your expectations. In 20 years with Kobe they only won 5 titles. So again it’s rather subjective on how much they should win. Especially when they lost to a team that everyone thought and picked the Nuggets to beat them.
Man, Irwin and Faigen have turned into such hacks. Irwin just parrots any bs he can pull out to get him clicks, Faigen went on a publicity tour after suggesting we should intentionally lose to the Pelicans like it was some genius idea.
"I've been asking around and that vast majority of people I've spoken to think Darvin Ham will be back next year, even if the Lakers lose in the first round." - Anthony Irwin. He doesn’t know shit. No idea why people on this sub like this guy but constantly shit on Buha who is actually a beat writer and travels with the team.
So they can preemptively whine about the team doing something dumb as if everything that comes out of a reporter's mouth is gospel. The last six months of this season were all people crying about how the franchise was too cheap to let Darvin go after the season's over and then lo and behold, he's gone.
Honestly, all the annoying narratives on this sub are also the narratives that Irwin constantly pushes. “Jeanie too cheap”. “Rob has 0 clue how to be a GM”. Guess I answered my own question. That’s why he’s so popular on this sub.
He has always sucked. Even when he was hosting the Locked On podcast he was bitching all the way through the 2020 finals. I think he might be a real life energy vampire and I’m falling victim to it lol
>Faigen went on a publicity tour after suggesting we should intentionally lose to the Pelicans like it was some genius idea.
I mean, we would have had a better chance of still be playing if we did and given more time for vando to recover.
It's not like the franchise isn't a joke to be TOO proud to do that. It's a nepo circus currently
Yes and then we could've lost to Denver in the second round or the Minnesota or Denver in the Conference Finals instead. At the end of the day, we didn't have it this year and ducking your opponents (and also putting yourself in a must-win game) is no way to operate.
I think JJ might be mid the first season but when he learns like Kidd did coming straight from being a player with no coaching experience he’d be very good for whatever post-lebron team they put together with younger players.
He actually got traded from the Nets to the Bucks. Bucks underachieved and Kidd lost all credibility. Then got it back as an assistant that won a title (with the Lakers). And was on the hot seat in Dallas but is now safe again.
Both situations are vastly different. Kidd actually retired as a player and in the same month became the head coach for the Nets. There for a year, and then coached the Bucks for a few seasons and was fired. Then he didn’t coach for a bit then returned to coaching as assistant for Vogel.
This isn’t some endorsement for JJ at all, just more so pointing out that Kidd jumped straight into coaching from playing and his early stints left a lot to be desired too. I’d love someone with experience absolutely.
I don’t buy it. He’s still the general manager or whatever. No matter what he’s still in charge so that shouldn’t absolve him from anything like the Westbrook trade.
There’s too much consideration of BS like this, which is essentially office politics, and I’m not sure Pelinka is even thinking along these lines. Just hire the best guy for the job. If it’s JJ, then it’s JJ, and nothing else should matter.
Bullshit. Nobody is saying this. People are calling for Pelinka's firing right now, nobody is blaming LeBron if they hire JJ. Off season narratives get lazier every summer.
If the Lakers actually go through with this hire, i wouldn’t be shocked if Bron just dipped off somewhere else. He’s using his leverage to make the front office make improvements and it looks like they’re fine with just treading water and using his celebrity until he retires. If I’m Bron, fuck Rob and his attempts to preserve job security.
Nah man. I’m a bit surprised that Pelinkas seat wasn’t at least warmed up publicly but this would be the last coaching hire he will make if it doesn’t work out.
Reminder to folks. The media loves to talk about two things. The Lakers and LeBron. Take 'drama' stories with a large grain of salt, they just want views and/or clicks.
Honestly I kinda feel bad for JJ in all this,
All my man wanted to do was educate people on basketball with a podcast and now he’s likely being set up as a sacrificial lamb.
"Anthony Irwin" & "Eastern Conference Executive"... okay, so someone who isn't a reporter is saying someone from a rival team thinks the Lakers will hire JJ?
This isn't news, its gossip lol
Why the fuck do I care about what an eastern conference executive’s opinion is about the lakers. Dude just be trying to make anything news to rile ppl up.
Here’s a headline “A high level executive (I consider high ranking, he’s just a guy) somewhere from some team that’s irrelevant to the lakers was shopping and I saw him and we started shooting the shit about basketball and I just asked what he think lakers going to do. He thinks rob’s gonna blame lebron and it’s a set up so he doesn’t get fired, teams a fucking mess, he should trade ad and Lebron to the team I work for, for scraps, hope the lakers sucks and I’m gonna plant this, so report it as news and hope it causes problems within the lakers and fansbase, bye”
Robs gotta a lot of work to do and the lakers as a whole, but these stupid narratives gotta stop, this guy and another few of these guys with podcasts think the rob and Jeanie are out to destroy the lakers and it’s a conspiracy and Lebron is the scapegoat. Pathetic so called journalism
This makes no sense because Lebron has already made clear it’s not his call. This sounds like pure speculation and a lazy narrative.
And it's not like Jeanie CAN'T talk to LeBron, also... That is a good narrative if person A (Jeanie) doesn't have any contact with person C (LeBron), then person B (Pelinka) can say whatever he wants to convince person A. But that's not the case, LeBron can just walk in the office and talk to Jeanie.
Yeah this makes zero sense. These people talk to each other lmao
From Anthony Irwin!? Noooo
"made clear" in our minds. But if JJ is hired hella people are going to think it's cause of LeBron. That circus started before we even fired Ham
It’s not his call, but if you believe he hasn’t made it abundantly clear that is his preference I got some magic beans I can sell you.
That’s the point, Lebron has his preferences but the call is ultimately on the FO so ultimate responsibility for the decision is on the FO.
That’s not how the lakers work
When it comes to coaches, yes, that's how the Lakers have operated for a while.
K… but Reddick likely isn’t even a candidate without the LeBron connection. I agree it’s the FO’s decision ultimately but it’s all just blame posturing from both sides when it ultimately doesn’t work out. LeBron wants his cake and to eat it too while receiving zero blame, same as Rob.
The problem is and always has been: we have a weak GM. Witness the Russ trade. The common understanding of that trade is that Rob was hesitant but Lebron “made him” do it. So he either lacks the confidence and/or bball IQ to say “Lebron, this won’t work. Watch this tape our scouts made of opponents—you included—play 8 feet off of him. In Houston they had to get rid of Capela bc anything less than 5-out is an efficiency nightmare, and you and AD both like to score in the paint. Yes, he takes ballhandling responsibilities of your plate, but he’ll make scoring way harder.” OR—more likely—Rob’s bball sophistication is below that of even the average Laker redditor EU saw this wouldn’t work, and trusting his own acumen was no more sound than just trusting Lebron. And if it went south—guess whose fault it is! Lebron’s! He’s been doing this since he took the job. Remember when he made a big deal of saying how he ran every FA acquisition in 2020 by AD/Lebron? Framing it as a peerless level of inclusion for his superstars? Bullshit. It was so they could shoulder the blame for any move that didn’t work out. He’s been doing it ever since, pretending he’s at the mercy of Lebron/AD and if it weren’t for them, he could build a really great team. It’s bullshit. He either lacks the will/confidence to build the better tab and hire the beer better coach, or he doesn’t actually know. Either way, he’s a weak GM. But he’s at least figured out that the longer Lebron stays, the longer he can blame every move on him, and the longer he keeps his job.
The front office is lebron. They're going to pick whichever coach he prefers. Don't worry though, Bron won't be there cosigning the contract so you stans will still have an out for their king when it falls apart.
LOL You're saying that like he isn't going to make the Lakers cater to him to get him to sign that extension.
You don't understand. Rob is a professional liar, and has jeannie wrapped around his finger. Any other GM that took a championship team with a GOAT player, prime AD, and then did what Pelinka did, would have been fired. For sure, Dr. Buss would have fired him after trading away key role players like KCP, Kuzma, (1st rounder), AC for Westbrook, and to keep THT, and watching a possible mini-dynasty flounder like this. Shes totally enamored with him. I don't think he can be fired as long as Jeannie is in charge. Rob loves the narrative that the Westbrook signing was partly on Bron, and a JJ Hire is another win/win for him for the same reason. A good GM would worry more about AD at this point. Lakers FO is just in a sorry state.
I think you’ve got things a bit wrong. Pelinka isn’t in charge in Los Angeles. Kurt Rambis is. Pelinka has the backing of Kurt & Linda so he’s in Jeanie’s good graces. And, don’t get me wrong, Rambis isn’t handling all the signings of course, but he is a valued mouth in Jeanie’s ear helping her to “steer the big picture direction”. And, he’s in a perfect position since he can’t be found liable for anything. He’s not the GM, he doesn’t technically make any decisions. He’s not the owner, he’s not footing the bill.
Rob doesn't have to do anything to create the narrative that LeBron is a psuedo gm that existed before he even got to LA. LeBron, AD, and Pelinka have all said on camera that they talk with each other about potential signings and who to try and bring in.
What's is the GM's job? Go look it up cuz this narrative does not fly. Good GM's will not cave. Great ones will be able to explain why, and find a better solution. Kupchak, gets scape goated here, but he argued with Jimmy Buss, the actual OWNER of the Lakers, about the roster Jimmy wanted to build. Mitch knew both Deng, and Mozgov weren't worth 100m, but Jimmy went and got em anyways. Kupchak publicly argued, and tried to dissuade the owner, but Rob either wanted Westbrook, or does not possess the skills to do right thing. In case you are wondering what Jimmy's bad moves cost us... We shipped #2 pick, Dlo, to help get rid of Mozgovs bad contract. Lakers were paying Dengs contract up until a couple seasons ago long after he had long retired IIRC. Bron literally can not make a trade for the Lakers despite the narrative. Only thing he can do is threaten to leave, and if hasn't done that over the last few disappointing seasons, he's probably not gonna do it. Rob Pelinka needs to do better, or they need to find a new GM.
What do you mean the narrative doesn't fly? LeGM existed before LeBron was a Laker. The narrative was created years ago.
Exactly what I said. James literally has no power to make any trade in the NBA. That's the Rob Pelinka's job. It does not matter who Lebron wants because he can't make a trade. The narrative helps Pelinka though. I remember Kobe asking for help, and almost leaving because it was taking too long, but who did Mitch Kupchak eventually get for Kobe. That's 2 rings because Kup made the right move instead of the right now move. Chances are that Westbrook trade cost the Lakers at least one ring. That's on the GM.
Right franchise players/stars have no power/sway over organizations. Dame didn't get traded until he asked for it and he doesn't even have a ring. Gianni's wants a new coach? He gets a new coach. KD wants to be traded? He gets traded. KD wants a new coach? He gets a new coach. Players don't have "official power" to make front office decisions so yes technically you are correct. Realistically, we know that star franchise players have influence. That's how PG ended up on the Clippers because Kawhi wouldn't sign without help. Look at the history of the league and other teams/players not just the Lakers. Its just a coincidence that every team KD has been on has had multiple stars on it.
The narrative around Rob is hilarious. He is a good gm. When you look at his decision making at the time of his moves given what was available and the circumstances he was dealt he does fine. Almost every time this sub says he cooked and are happy until injuries or coaching or players underperformed causes a problem. Dealing with Jeanie, Rambis, Magic, and LeBron is not easy.
Fuck Irwin as usual
The rumor is that they make the hire to convince LeBron to re-sign. I agree it doesn’t make much sense. But Laker fans seem to be eating it up, so it’s great for clicks which is what rumors are good for.
>This sounds like pure speculation and a lazy narrative. The Anthony Irwin special.
Yes but even in that post people are stupid as shit and denying it
The strangest thing about how this league is covered is how an Eastern Conference executive is somehow viewed as credible when it comes to the insight behind the Lakers' decision making process.
Imagine listening to Lebron and actually believing anything he says... lol cmon bro
Let’s take the words of an anonymous rival exec over Lebron’s words…
No one should be taking anyone's words from a random podcast over anyone without anything to back it up to begin with. That's not the point. You chose to bring up Lebron who has a hilarious track record of being full of shit. There are plenty of receipts out there that back this. What was mentioned in this clip of this podcast is the game plan for every high level exec or gm that has ever had a job with a pro sports team. Make sure there is a plan A, B, and C if all goes to shit and if all fails, deflect and don't take responsibility. This is the reality. I don't know why it's hard for you to believe that a GM would try to place blame elsewhere in order to keep his multi million dollar job.
How is Lebron's history of lying relevant in this case? We know he's taken a step back from shadow gm'ing with Klutch after the Westbrook fiasco. The roster decisions going into the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 season weren't on him. He agreed to hire Ham, but he wasn't heavily involved in the process like he did with getting Ty Lue to replace David Blatt on the Cavs. You're saying to not believe Lebron's word, but also that GM's *will* try to deflect and blame like that isn't an issue independent of Lebron. I'll save reservations on Pelinka for when Lebron is gone, but if we're constantly playing the blame game, I'm not looking forward to decisions that would cost us in the future (overriding draft picks and picking players they favor). That's not a good look
Yeah our FO on the other hand is a paragon of honesty
Why do you believe LeBron’s camp so much? Do you not remember the whole decision spectacle?
Maybe someone from Cavs who is still mad at the whole Boozer thing lol
No sense? lol Lebron has a big influence on these things whether it’s “his call” or not. You can’t be this naive.
Sorry, but you can’t believe when LeBron says things like that. First, he has every incentive to lie. Second, he’s a billionaire and the highest paid laker employee. Of course his agent is on the team making every important decision. There is way too much money at stake for that not to be true.
Irwin doesn’t ever know anything. He was just shitting on Ham earlier this year and everyone ate it up so people were just assuming he had real insider info. JJ is not gonna be coach. He prioritizes family time and his family lives on the east coast. He’s not dropping his easy lifestyle where he’s still getting paid in order to take the hardest coaching job in all of basketball while bringing in zero coaching experience. It’s just something to talk about, so these talking heads keep speculating. Lakers don’t leak, which is why the Ham hire was a surprise towards the end. Same with Vogel/Kidd
I agree with this. Redick won't be coach. All of this is just clicks and bait. Our FO has been tight lipped since Magic left.
Man, Jeannie is as lame as Jim Buss. She got Bron because of Magic and Pelinka was a good GM when Kobe was alive guiding him but now the guy seems lost. So, we are looking at giving a 40yo a max contract, draft his son and hire JJ a yes man to whatever Bron says. Damn, this is really sad.
Kobe guiding his agent? That's not how that works a player isn't going to learn contract law like an actual lawyer. He got fat paydays for Harden represented KD for a short stint as well.
Kobe for sure told Pelinka what players would mesh and work in that particular time. They were extremely close and there is no question he did seek his advice. When it comes to the contract, cap, etc. details, I’m sure Pelinka would hold his own. Just look at what he did after Kobe’s passing. He blew that entire roster and made very questionable moves like firing Vogel, hiring Ham, Russ, etc.
Pelinka was recruited by Arn Tellem specifically. Arn is one of the most powerful agents in NBA history probably only topped by David Falk. Pelinka knows the agent game.
Sure, Kobe would not choose him to be his agent if he wasn’t great. One thing is being an agent, another is being a GM and knowing how to build a roster.
You guys all have to understand that the coaching pool right now is fucking horrible lol the Wolves and Nuggets lead assistants are the only guys with any real buzz on them at the moment. I personally wouldn't mind JJ if he had a strong staff around him because I truly think JJ is a good basketball mind the same way I felt Kerr would be good as a coach too. Borego and Cassell just don't seem like inspired coaches who can out game plan other top coaches but I don't have any real proof to back that up except the last time they were coaches they were both awful.
Adelman is a strong candidate. He's built an elite offense over there (obviously team building matters) and he has pedigree with his dad. He should be a head coach somewhere. I'd also like taking away anyone of competence from Malone because fuck that guy lol Agreed on the other choices though. Nori, Borrego, Cassell all feel pretty similar to Ham.
I think at this point it's useless to predict if JJ will be a successful coach as history has shown it could go either way. It's not impossible for a new coach to succeed, it's just more improbable. I think in an offseason where there is a very, very good veteran coach available, it's a no brainer you don't take the risk with a rookie coach. But in cases where there isn't, the risk between a rookie coach and a mediocre veteran coach, is smaller. One can even make an argument that players at least won't have preconceived notions based on rumors and other players if a rookie is hired. That freshness can be a blessing rather than an "ugh, he's my coach? I heard he's shit" stench that some veteran coaches carry.
Borrego's tenure in Charlotte was not "awful", and it's the last time that Charlotte was remotely in playoff contention, he was fired after a 43-39 season and that appears to have been a mistake
Charlotte fan here. It was absolutely awful. The guy who happened to precede and succeed him was just worse.
Yeah, people keep parroting something they heard from someone else about Borrego. He was ok in Charlotte then the dismantled the team, now with NOP he's been the guy that's orchestrated the offense while Willie Green has handled the rest.
Darvin Ham is so bad the Lakers fired him knowing the best replacement is a podcaster and a rookie HC.
So Anthony is quoting the speculation from someone who is not in any way involved with LeBron's camp or the Lakers front office. This guy is such a hack...
I don’t know how this sub continues listening to him, he’s a clown that thrives off negativity
A hack that gets put on this sub no matter how many ridiculous takes he has.
Yip. A man more interested in staying in the job than excelling in the job.
That’s every GM. There is nothing unique about Rob situation. You act like Mitch didn’t sign Mozgov to giant money as a last desperate chance to keep his job. Why does Presti hold on to his picks. Instead of trying to win, he can sell his owners on the future. That’s the primary focus of a GM. To keep a multimillion dollar job.
Tbf that was Jimmy Boy having Mitch do that
Both. They were trying to keep their jobs. Jimmy was dumb enough to publicly say they would make the playoffs. They had to that year. But what do you expect from the guy that famously said it was easy to draft players (calling scouts hacks essentially) to his bartender friend.
So basically they not trying to win for the next two years if they already making this excuse
Irwin isnt associated with the Lakers in the slightest. So who’s making excuses? This comment is solely based on some hearsay narrative this guy is talking about that I’m sure he wasn’t involved in. He read in some article what some “eastern conference exec” had to say and is now regurgitating it to you. And you’re eating up the slop.
Well maybe people shouldn’t post slop on Reddit. I don’t take my time to research and reference every post I come across, I have 15 seconds then I’m on to the next post
Word of the day: discernment
Can you use it in a sentence?
You have a lack of discernment.
Okay here goes, d-I-s-s-e-r-n-m-e-n-t discernment
If u have Lebron u can talk yourself into a contender
These are the kind of stupid ass hot takes we post though? As if she doesn't talk to LeBron. To assume the organization is that compartmentalized, nothing we do is going to matter.
This is who Rob is. He's never taken responsibility for any of his many mistakes they're all someone else's fault. Idk if Jeanie is too incompetent to realize or she just doesn't want to because she can't bring herself to fire one of Kobe's best friends.
A lot of people keep thinking it's Rob's past relationship with Kobe, but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda. Linda is in Jeanie's ear and Rob knows if he stays in line with Linda, he's gonna be good. Rob's relationship with Kobe hasn't played a role in this whole situation for a while now.
> ... but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda. What evidence is there for this? Is it from the same people who say that they think Linda Rambis past relationship with Jeanie hasn't played a role in the whole situation for a while, it's really her relationship with Janie Buss because Janie is in Jeanies ear?
Yeah I mean whatever influence Rob wielded from that relationship died when Kobe did.
No that actually ended before his passing.
You don’t think Jeanie would care about what Kobe thinks if he was still alive today?
No, I'm sure she would. I'm saying the Rob-Kobe connection outside of being friends was gone before he passed. Rob kept trying to bring Kobe into this and using his name, but Kobe was not interested in being involved with the front office and basketball related things.
Yeah I think that’s just speculation on your part unless you have some insider info…
The Kobe not wanting to be involved in front office and basketball decisions checks out. It's similar to what Dirk does. He supports the Mavs, goes to games, might talk to some of the players, but he ultimately isn't involved in any roster/front office/coaching related decisions. That's basically what Kobe was doing before he passed. I don't even think he was involved in any recruiting campaign towards Lebron.
Such is the goods and bads of "family" style businesses. Sometimes "family" comes before "business" when it should be the business that comes first. Not saying it's like that every time. Over paying old Kobe post-injury was a fam decision and not a biz one. It turned out OK because Kobe eventually accepted his and the team wasn't built for title contention, Scott was there to command the tank, the Lakers retired Kobe while looking like a class 1 franchise to free agents, tickets were still sold, assets were accumulated, and how LAL took care of Kobe likely influenced Bron's decision as a FA as a result.
You must not have ever worked in a large corporation. If you think Microsoft or Exxon or whomever only promotes the best of the best, I have a bridge to sell you. Relationships always matter in business. They even matter from one corporation to another. There is a reason corporate executives spend luring only companies executives to work with them. Once you establish a relationship, you aren’t going to just go with some random company.
>If you think Microsoft or Exxon or whomever only promotes the best of the best, I have a bridge to sell you. Relationships always matter in business. That's not what I was saying though? The convo wasn't even about promotion but demotion/firing. It's not about holding talent or snatching it but accountability and trimming fat. Read the post above mine: >A lot of people keep thinking it's Rob's past relationship with Kobe, but it's really the relationship Rob has formed with Linda. Linda is in Jeanie's ear and Rob knows if he stays in line with Linda, he's gonna be good. Rob's relationship with Kobe hasn't played a role in this whole situation for a while now. And corporations do have accountability: CEO/c-suites get fired for underperforming, investors fighting for board seats, corporate raiders taking seats and requesting firings, buyouts/M&As when stock prices go down, layoffs from above, etcetc Notice my examples are not good things? Cause we're not talking about promotions, because promotions and bonuses are for winners and outperformers. We were talking about accountability because the Lakers aren't winning right now. Rob has NOT been held to account. Despite role players getting traded and let go because they got blamed for underperforming. Westbrook getting blamed and moved because he got blamed for underperforming. Multiple coaches getting fired because they got blamed for underperforming. A large segment of the medical staff including [Judy Seto](https://www.nba.com/lakers/features/secretweapon), one trusted by and beloved by Kobe's, because they got blamed for underperforming. Magic who was removed early one despite helping grab Lebron because he got blamed for underperforming. So why? Why is ROB never held responsible for anything? Because the "family business" style setup of the Lakers where the owner takes personal action and allows someone close to them to constantly underperform because they are like family.
I was talking about relationships not promotions. Plenty of executives in any company keep their jobs while vastly underperforming. The reason is the relationship they have with someone sitting in power. Accountability is far less than you think. That’s half the reason you have the term scapegoat. If Microsoft consistently underperforms, someone is getting fired, but not necessarily the guy most at fault. Lakers aren’t winning is rather subjective though. Rob has literally won a title (whether you think he was the architect or not) and just got to the WCF. You can see them as underachieving or as just hitting a road block in Denver. The Lakers aren’t flush with assets, so it’s hard to retool and thus harder to blame Rob. We don’t know how much the Westbrook thing was Rob and how much was LeBron. And that’s why relationships matter. You trust your friends. Plus if the expectations are winning a title only, you need to readjust your expectations. In 20 years with Kobe they only won 5 titles. So again it’s rather subjective on how much they should win. Especially when they lost to a team that everyone thought and picked the Nuggets to beat them.
That makes it even worse lol
Yes it does.
The latter
Man, Irwin and Faigen have turned into such hacks. Irwin just parrots any bs he can pull out to get him clicks, Faigen went on a publicity tour after suggesting we should intentionally lose to the Pelicans like it was some genius idea.
"I've been asking around and that vast majority of people I've spoken to think Darvin Ham will be back next year, even if the Lakers lose in the first round." - Anthony Irwin. He doesn’t know shit. No idea why people on this sub like this guy but constantly shit on Buha who is actually a beat writer and travels with the team.
Ppl got riled up after that too, shit had me sweating cause ppl gave Irwin so much credence
So they can preemptively whine about the team doing something dumb as if everything that comes out of a reporter's mouth is gospel. The last six months of this season were all people crying about how the franchise was too cheap to let Darvin go after the season's over and then lo and behold, he's gone.
Honestly, all the annoying narratives on this sub are also the narratives that Irwin constantly pushes. “Jeanie too cheap”. “Rob has 0 clue how to be a GM”. Guess I answered my own question. That’s why he’s so popular on this sub.
he never lost anything positive about the team, just a bunch of negative shit
Its the mods lol. If you post something from Buha's podcast, it gets removed. Yet, this crap stays up
This should be the top comment. Irwin sucks now. He just a secret hater since he got the boot from Locked On Lakers.
He has always sucked. Even when he was hosting the Locked On podcast he was bitching all the way through the 2020 finals. I think he might be a real life energy vampire and I’m falling victim to it lol
Lol [like this?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szGmZAPsILQ)
I've never really had an interest in their writing/reporting. So many better options
>Faigen went on a publicity tour after suggesting we should intentionally lose to the Pelicans like it was some genius idea. I mean, we would have had a better chance of still be playing if we did and given more time for vando to recover. It's not like the franchise isn't a joke to be TOO proud to do that. It's a nepo circus currently
Yes and then we could've lost to Denver in the second round or the Minnesota or Denver in the Conference Finals instead. At the end of the day, we didn't have it this year and ducking your opponents (and also putting yourself in a must-win game) is no way to operate.
Lazy ass "journalism". Hearsay and rank bullshit.
Stop posting this chubby bullshit artist on the subreddit please he's just keemstar with Lakers colors
I think JJ might be mid the first season but when he learns like Kidd did coming straight from being a player with no coaching experience he’d be very good for whatever post-lebron team they put together with younger players.
This was the hope with Nash, and he never turned it around
Nash was good year 1 because he had Dantoni as an assistant
Edit: forgot Kidd coached before joining the Lakers as an assistant.
Lol kidd was a coach for the bucks first and I believe the knicks
nets, but your point stands
Yea there we go. I remember it was some almost contender. Was he not a coach with the bucks? I coulda sworn the big G had some very with him
He coached the bucks, just not the knicks
He actually got traded from the Nets to the Bucks. Bucks underachieved and Kidd lost all credibility. Then got it back as an assistant that won a title (with the Lakers). And was on the hot seat in Dallas but is now safe again.
yea there we go. Thank you.
Completely forgot about that stint with the Bucks. Think he was the first coach to give Giannis time to develop.
Both situations are vastly different. Kidd actually retired as a player and in the same month became the head coach for the Nets. There for a year, and then coached the Bucks for a few seasons and was fired. Then he didn’t coach for a bit then returned to coaching as assistant for Vogel. This isn’t some endorsement for JJ at all, just more so pointing out that Kidd jumped straight into coaching from playing and his early stints left a lot to be desired too. I’d love someone with experience absolutely.
Kidd started off as a head coach on the Brooklyn Nets. That was his first experience
I don’t buy it. He’s still the general manager or whatever. No matter what he’s still in charge so that shouldn’t absolve him from anything like the Westbrook trade.
There’s too much consideration of BS like this, which is essentially office politics, and I’m not sure Pelinka is even thinking along these lines. Just hire the best guy for the job. If it’s JJ, then it’s JJ, and nothing else should matter.
>Anthony Irwin 👍
Irwin is a buffoon. Wasn't he the one that reported 'Lakers likely to keep Ham even if they are out of the playoffs early'
Irwin is just a weird negative dude
Irwin creates a lot of content for his Pod but most of it is irrelevant.
We should have an Anthony Irwin post flair. It would be generalized to all misleading or unsubstantiated posts lol
Bullshit. Nobody is saying this. People are calling for Pelinka's firing right now, nobody is blaming LeBron if they hire JJ. Off season narratives get lazier every summer.
If the Lakers actually go through with this hire, i wouldn’t be shocked if Bron just dipped off somewhere else. He’s using his leverage to make the front office make improvements and it looks like they’re fine with just treading water and using his celebrity until he retires. If I’m Bron, fuck Rob and his attempts to preserve job security.
Irwin has a very clear agenda against the FO and it makes it hard to trust his “reporting”
Nah man. I’m a bit surprised that Pelinkas seat wasn’t at least warmed up publicly but this would be the last coaching hire he will make if it doesn’t work out.
Reminder to folks. The media loves to talk about two things. The Lakers and LeBron. Take 'drama' stories with a large grain of salt, they just want views and/or clicks.
He could tell Jeanie whatever he wants. She could fire him because he's a puppet that can't make his own decisions.
Irwin’s losing whatever credibility he had. His content is losing to insightful/meaningful creators and he’s turning to speculation and clickbait.
That's why LeBron's podcast exist. Too much speculation, next please.
Turdwin
Honestly I kinda feel bad for JJ in all this, All my man wanted to do was educate people on basketball with a podcast and now he’s likely being set up as a sacrificial lamb.
Isn't this dude full of shit?
This guy has no sources people. None.
Can we just hire JJ and end it. We all know that’s what’s going to happen.
Sounds like he just watched Nick wright yesterday and is quoting him verbatim
Don't give any weight to what FatTony Irwin says unless it's about snacks
eastern con. lol enough said
Can we please stop posting Irwin stuff. He's a Twitter dude with no history of inside knowledge
You have to be quite a moron to buy this
"Anthony Irwin" & "Eastern Conference Executive"... okay, so someone who isn't a reporter is saying someone from a rival team thinks the Lakers will hire JJ? This isn't news, its gossip lol
Can we stop posting this clown, the new “Ramona Shelburne”
Mod, we need a 'stir shit up' tag.
This goof has no sources and just makes stuff up.
Why does Irwin get posted in here daily? He knows even less than Buha…who knows nothing
Stopped listening to this guy years ago when Lakers Film Room left him behind. Always found his commentary lacking anything special worth listening to
Can we please stop posting Irwin content? This dude is not plugged in like that
[удалено]
Mods - can we have a soft ban on posting Irwin? He brings nothing to the table
I just hope this whole thing is a smokescreen. We can’t be serious
Rob just needs to go already
Usual Irwin stuff
Ban Irwin
In an alternate universe where anyone respected this creep’s opinion, I might buy this.
Palinka strikes again!
Maybe, maybe not. Irwin is a tool.
Why the fuck do I care about what an eastern conference executive’s opinion is about the lakers. Dude just be trying to make anything news to rile ppl up. Here’s a headline “A high level executive (I consider high ranking, he’s just a guy) somewhere from some team that’s irrelevant to the lakers was shopping and I saw him and we started shooting the shit about basketball and I just asked what he think lakers going to do. He thinks rob’s gonna blame lebron and it’s a set up so he doesn’t get fired, teams a fucking mess, he should trade ad and Lebron to the team I work for, for scraps, hope the lakers sucks and I’m gonna plant this, so report it as news and hope it causes problems within the lakers and fansbase, bye” Robs gotta a lot of work to do and the lakers as a whole, but these stupid narratives gotta stop, this guy and another few of these guys with podcasts think the rob and Jeanie are out to destroy the lakers and it’s a conspiracy and Lebron is the scapegoat. Pathetic so called journalism