A seismic shift has taken place in Los Angeles basketball. The Lakers, long under the control of the Buss family, have been sold to LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter in a stunning $10 billion deal-setting a new record for franchise valuations in American sports.
While Jeanie Buss will remain team governor, her family’s grip on the day-to-day operations has effectively loosened. Now, all eyes are on what this means for the Lakers’ front office and player roster.
Walter is no stranger to revamping sports organizations. With a proven track record of leading successful, analytically driven teams, expectations are sky-high. As a result, no role within the Lakers franchise is considered completely safe-not even that of general manager Rob Pelinka.
Once known as Kobe Bryant’s agent and now the Lakers’ chief architect, Pelinka finds himself operating under a much closer lens.
Although Pelinka has drawn criticism in past seasons, he recently orchestrated the acquisition of Luka Doncic-an undeniable coup for the franchise. This move alone could secure his position in the short term, but Walter’s arrival means every decision will be evaluated with fresh eyes.
According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, Pelinka’s experience and past success might protect him from immediate changes, but his influence over roster decisions may be shared moving forward.
A new chapter begins in Los Angeles
Buha suggests that while Pelinka will likely remain the top decision-maker, there could be structural shifts in the front office-such as the addition of a vice president of basketball operations or a new general manager. This would create a more collaborative leadership model under Walter’s ownership, shifting the franchise’s long-standing internal dynamics.
Meanwhile, the team’s roster is also under review. After a disappointing playoff run, changes are expected regardless of ownership. Two names in particular have surfaced in trade speculation: Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves.
Of the two, Hachimura appears more likely to be moved due to his $18.2 million salary and the team’s urgent need to address weaknesses in the frontcourt. Packaging his contract could be key to landing a dominant center to pair with Doncic.
Reaves, however, remains a fan and front-office favorite. While his name may surface in trade discussions, any potential deal would need to bring significant value in return. Buha notes that the likelihood of Reaves being traded has increased slightly-but he still expects him to stay with the team into next season.
As the Walter era begins, the Lakers are entering a transformative phase. With new leadership, enhanced resources, and sky-high expectations, this could be the beginning of a bold new identity for the Purple and Gold.
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