Lakers’ Recent Winning Streak Puts Spotlight on Rob Pelinka’s Roster Decisions
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Los Angeles — The Lakers’ front office is drawing praise after the club stretched its winning streak to nine games with Saturday’s 105-104 triumph over the Orlando Magic, sealed by a last-second three-pointer from guard Luke Kennard.
Head of basketball operations Rob Pelinka assembled the current roster around 26-year-old star Luka Doncic, giving Los Angeles a wider championship window. According to multiple reports, Doncic told Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick in May that he was not interested in a prolonged rebuild.
Key midseason addition
Pelinka addressed outside shooting at the February trade deadline by acquiring Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick. Kennard owns the second-highest career three-point percentage in league history, a skill set intended to create space for Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Analysts initially questioned Kennard’s defensive fit, but his shooting has proved decisive during the current surge. Saturday’s game-winner in Orlando underscored his value and bolstered the perception that Pelinka maximized limited assets.
Front-office connections
Observers also credit Pelinka’s relationship with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison for facilitating Doncic’s move to Los Angeles earlier in the year. Together with the Kennard trade, that connection is cited as a major factor in the Lakers’ mid-season turnaround.
Los Angeles will try to extend its streak when it returns to action later this week.
Source: Hoops Wire
