Are the Lakers worse than a year ago? Pelinka's management once again called into question

The Los Angeles Lakers face the new season with one of the biggest question marks in the entire NBA. On paper, they have Luka Doncic, one of the best players in the world, but the feeling left by the roster is that the team has lost competitive potential compared to how they ended the previous season. The changes made during the summer have rejuvenated some positions and may offer better performance during the regular season, although they have also raised many doubts about whether this new version of the Lakers is truly ready to compete for the championship when the playoffs arrive. This uncertainty has once again placed Rob Pelinka at the center of criticism.

The front office has argued that the goal was to build a more sustainable team around Doncic, but much of the fan base believes that the franchise has weakened a roster that was already far from perfect. LeBron James' departure symbolizes the end of an era, but the loss of players like Marcus Smart or Luke Kennard, along with the possible departure of Rui Hachimura, fuels the feeling that the Lakers are still far from providing Luka with the competitive environment he needs to contend for the championship.

Two very different lineups

The comparison between both rosters helps to understand the debate.

Last season's Starting Five

• Marcus Smart

• Luke Kennard

• LeBron James

• Rui Hachimura

• Jaxson Hayes

Projected Starting Five for the new season

• Luka Doncic

• Austin Reaves

• Quentin Grimes

• Sandro Mamukelashvili

• Walker Kessler

At first glance, the new lineup presents an obvious advantage: it includes Luka Doncic, a player capable of single-handedly transforming any team's offense. However, the rest of the changes raise many doubts. Smart was the best perimeter defender on the roster, LeBron remained one of the most determining players in the league in crucial games, Kennard provided elite outside shooting, and Hachimura offered physicality and versatility on both ends of the court.

The new names also have their arguments. Walker Kessler clearly enhances rim protection compared to Hayes, Quentin Grimes brings youth and perimeter defense, and Mamukelashvili offers an interesting profile as a stretch power forward. The issue is that none of them has yet shown the ability to decide playoff series at the highest level.

During the regular season, the team can perform

It wouldn't be surprising if the Lakers have a strong regular season.

Doncic ensures a high number of wins almost single-handedly. His ability to control the pace of games, create constant advantages, and elevate his teammates' performance usually translates into excellent stats over the 82 games of the season. Additionally, players like Reaves or Grimes can greatly benefit from the spaces generated by the Slovenian, while Kessler provides a constant threat as a finisher near the rim.

There is also a physical component that favors the new project.

The roster is younger, more athletic, and probably better equipped to handle the demanding schedule of the regular season. That depth can help maintain a high competitive level for many months without relying as much on extraordinary individual performances.

However, the NBA doesn't judge projects by what happens between October and April.

The issue arises when playoffs arrive

It's where many analysts believe the Lakers have taken a step back.

In championship series, differential talent, experience, and the ability to close tight games usually prevail. The lineup from last year had much more competitive background. LeBron James was still a player capable of single-handedly changing a series, Marcus Smart provided elite defense against the top rival perimeter players, and Kennard offered a very valuable offensive resource when defenses crowded the paint.

The new roster heavily depends on Luka.

If the Slovenian encounters a defense capable of partially limiting his impact, it's difficult to identify who will take on the offensive leadership. Austin Reaves has notably improved, but he doesn't seem ready yet to become a second key player for a title contender. Grimes remains an excellent role player, while Kessler and Mamukelashvili stand out more for complementing than for leading.

In other words, the team seems to have gained balance... but lost top-level talent.

Pelinka back in the center of criticism

This is why Rob Pelinka is again one of the main figures of the summer.

The addition of Luka Doncic was an extraordinary move and probably one of the best signings in the recent history of the franchise. However, many believe that the sports director hasn't seized that opportunity to build a truly championship-contending project.

The criticisms continue to pile up.

The contracts given to Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler commit a significant portion of the future salary cap space, Quentin Grimes has received a salary more typical of a much more established player, and bringing in Sandro Mamukelashvili is also not convincing for those expecting a reinforcement of greater impact. All this while the team saw LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard depart, in addition to maintaining uncertainty about Rui Hachimura.

The general feeling is that Pelinka has managed to assemble one of the top three players on the planet, but hasn't yet built a roster capable of maximizing their opportunities.

Luka needs more help

That is probably the Lakers' biggest problem.

Doncic can take the team far during the regular season, but recent NBA history shows that no player wins a championship alone. Even the biggest stars need a competitive top-notch environment.

Today, it's hard to assert that the Lakers have it.

Another reliable playmaker is missing, doubts persist about the depth of the bench, and the exterior defense has lost two key pieces with the departures of Smart and LeBron. Additionally, the room for further reinforcements isn't particularly wide due to salary situation and the scarcity of available Draft picks for future trades.

The market can still change the landscape

It's worth remembering that the summer isn't over yet.

The Lakers are still linked to names like Jonathan Kuminga and are exploring different alternatives to strengthen the roster before the season starts. One or two significant additions would considerably alter the perception of the work done by the front office.

But if the market closed today, the conclusion seems quite clear.

The roster is likely deeper, younger, and more prepared to compete during the regular season than last year. Nonetheless, when aiming to win four consecutive playoff series, it's hard to argue that the Lakers have improved. They've added Luka Doncic, yes, but they've also lost too much experience, defense, and proven talent.

That's why the criticism towards Rob Pelinka continues to grow. Because having a generational player like Doncic requires building a team ready to compete for the championship from day one. And for now, it seems that this work is far from finished.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, ¿Son peores los Lakers que hace un año? La gestión de Pelinka vuelve a quedar señalada