TITLE: Rob Pelinka Says Off-Season Additions Have Given Lakers Valuable Depth
SLUG: rob-pelinka-says-off-season-additions-have-given-lakers-valuable-depth
CONTENT:
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said the team’s early success is tied to the depth created by its summer signings, noting that contributions have come from throughout the roster despite injuries to key stars.
Speaking recently on Spectrum SportsNet, Pelinka highlighted the importance of adding younger, more versatile players during the 2025 off-season. The Lakers brought in Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, moves he believes have helped the club to a 13-4 record, tied for the Western Conference’s second-best mark.
“We talked a lot about how we wanted to get younger with the roster and more depth,” Pelinka said. “When we went out and added Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia and brought in Marcus Smart, we really felt like that would fill out our depth, and to see that happening in real time has been encouraging.”
The Lakers have managed their strong start despite LeBron James and Luka Dončić missing multiple games. Pelinka explained that those absences allowed other players to build confidence.
“We had a stretch of games without Luka and LeBron, and for guys like Jake and Austin Reaves to step up created a vibe where it was a different guy, different night,” he said.
Bench players such as Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber and Nick Smith Jr. have logged notable performances when called upon, underscoring the roster’s balance.
Looking ahead, James has said the team’s ultimate ceiling will depend on its defense, but Pelinka remains optimistic that the newly added depth positions Los Angeles for a sustained run.
Source: Lakers Nation
