Lakers’ Rob Pelinka Had ‘Preliminary Discussions’ With New Owners

Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke to reporters on September 24, 2026 to preview the 2026-27 season.

Mark Medina

El Segundo, Calif. – In a city that boasts the most compelling screenplays, this script has all the ingredients needed for the next Hollywood blockbuster.

It features LeBron James departing the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending the previous eight seasons experiencing exhilarating highs (a 2020 NBA championship) and lows (two missed playoff appearances) while fighting against Father Time. It continues with the Lakers quickly rebuilding a roster around their next stat in Luka Dončić, including retaining his close friend (Austin Reaves), adding a young and intriguing center (Walker Kessler).

It continues with the Lakers majority owner Mark Walter surprisingly selling his shares to the former Disney CEO (Bob Iger) and venture capitalist (Josh Kushner) for $12.5 million less than a year after purchasing his share for $10 billion and while under federal investigation for insurance fraud. Shortly after, the Lakers’ controlling governor (Jeanie Buss) has pursued litigation attempts to ensure she retains her title after she opposed her siblings attempts to sell the family’s remaining 17.8% ownership stake.

“We’ve talked about every season is a little bit like ‘The Odyssey,’” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said at a news conference on Monay at the team’s practice facility.

The Lakers don’t have to worry about dealing with the wrath of Greek Gods or Mother Nature. But the Lakers have to worry about maximizing Dončić’s championship window following James’ departure and a new ownership change.

“With a pending transaction, we’re not at liberty to talk more about that under league rules. But we’ve had preliminary discussions with them that have been really, really positive,” Pelinka said. “In terms of day-to-day, nothing’s changed. We’re operating with Lakers excellence. We’re continuing to build out a world-class front office.”

Pelinka could not directly comment about the Lakers’ ownership changes until the NBA formally approves the sale. But he described introductory meetings with Kushner and Iger as “excellent.” Pelinka also said he felt “super grateful” to be able to talk with the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations (Andrew Friedman) and other team officials during Walter’s one-year tenure while also overseeing the Lakers. It remains unclear what exactly their vision will be to ensure the Lakers remain a championship contender after winning 17 NBA titles. But Pelinka expressed gratitude for “Jeanie and ownership to build out” their resources. Pelinka said the Lakers have “added over 15 people in the front office to various positions.” The Lakers hired two assistant general managers (Eric Amsler, Rohan Ramadas) and a director of integrated performance systems (Keith D’Amelio). Pelinka also noted that the Lakers have revamped their analytics, scouting and training departments along with “new equipment, new recovery and modalities.”

Will that be enough?

The Lakers currently don’t rank high among NBA odds to win a championship in the 2026-27 season. That honor belongs to the reigning NBA champions (New York Knicks), their Finals opponent (San Antonio Spurs) and 2024-25 NBA title winner (Oklahoma City Thunder) But Pelinka and Redick projected optimism about their foundation that includes Doncic, Reaves and Kessler. It may hinge on the Lakers’ new ownership group, too.

“The goal, as the Lakers brand, is not just to be at the same level as all the other 29 teams in those areas, but to be the leader,” Pelnka said. “That’s just what’s required here. The Lakers are one of the most powerful sports brands on the globe, and we look at that as stewards of our responsibility. If we can do things here, do them well, powerfully and excellent, we want to be a gold standard for what other basketball teams and what other franchises in sports around the globe do.”