While some people in the organization push back on the notion that the Lakers are in a “hiring freeze,” multiple sources acknowledged that it would be foolish for the organization to make hires of consequence while in this strange moment of its history. That likely includes the assistant general manager position Rob Pelinka said the Lakers planned on hiring this offseason to handle personnel and scouting. The team hired Rohan Ramades as its assistant general manager of strategy and data systems at the end of the season, and he’s made positive early impressions. It also offered the other assistant general manager job to Minnesota’s Steve Senior and Philadelphia’s Prosper Karangwa, but both executives elected to remain with their teams. Conversations
about a front-office build-out are ongoing, one source said, but it’s not fully clear how or when the lead of much-needed pro scouting staff will be installed.
More on Rob Pelinka: Recent HoopsHype Rumors
On the latest episode of the Lakers Collective podcast, Pete Zayas said Pelinka's standing is no longer as clear as it once was. "What does all of this mean for Rob Pelinka?" Trevor Lane asked. "We already talked about it a year ago with the transition of power to Mark Walter, and how sometimes people coming in to spend the kind of money that's being spent to purchase an NBA team, they want to have their own people running things, and that could be a difficult thing for Rob Pelinka."Zayas then shared what he has heard from people around the situation. "Having talked to some folks, my understanding is that Pelinka and company are excited about this and they think that it's a good thing," Zayas said. However, Zayas also made it clear that Pelinka's position may be less secure than before. "But I do think he's less safe than he was," Zayas said. — 8/19/2026 BasketNews
Oh No He Didn't: Dave McMenamin: "JJ Redick got an extension after his rookie year as a head coach with the Lakers. My understanding is it aligns his contract with Rob Pelinka's...I think JJ Redick's probably in a really good spot here...but will have to see where all this goes" Ramona Shleburne: "There's a couple names you should pay attention to: Chris Paul, very close friend of Bob Iger's. He's sort of a mentor to Chris Paul. Chris recently retired. He's available, incredible basketball mind. I don't know what that means for him but I expect they'll be talking" — 8/13/2026 x.com
Oh No He Didn't: Anthony Slater on the Lakers: "Rob Pelinka keeps calling about Jonathan Kuminga" — 7/23/2026 x.com
The clincher that cemented the Lakers' one-year minimum deal to sign former lottery pick Ziaire Williams that was formally announced Sunday? I'm told that a four-person Lakers contingent — with assistant coaches Nate McMillan and Greg St. Jean joining lead executive Rob Pelinka and senior adviser Kurt Rambis — went to watch the 6-foot-9 Williams at a private workout at trainer Joe Abunassar's Impact Basketball gym in Las Vegas to gauge the state of Williams' game and recent efforts to sharpen his perimeter shooting. — 7/20/2026 marcstein.substack.com
The presence of Friedman and Zaidi has led to some speculation around the NBA that Walter could eventually look to replace Pelinka, who signed a multiyear contract extension and received a title bump last April, before the sale of the team. Thus far, however, that does not appear to be the case. Pelinka has told people around the NBA that he, Friedman and Zaidi are working "in collaboration," and that he's excited to be backed by a free-spending ownership group. He's also been the one running point on contract discussions with player agents. — 7/16/2026 Yahoo! Sports
Dave McMenamin: LeBron James: “Shout out my former team. I spent eight great years with the Los Angeles Lakers … That was an unbelievable ride and I am looking forward to what comes next as I wind down my journey. “It’s going to be fun wherever I land.” LeBron James name checked Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka while expressing gratitude to the Lakers. — 7/16/2026 x.com
Khobi Price: The Austin Reaves' re-signing is also official. Rob Pelinka: “Austin’s relentless pursuit of improvement, fierce competitiveness and commitment to winning have made him an integral part of our organization. From the moment he joined the Lakers, Austin has embodied the work ethic and selfless approach that define our culture. We’re thrilled to continue building with him as a cornerstone of our team as we pursue our championship goals.” — 7/12/2026 Twitter @khobi_price
The Los Angeles Lakers already came out to work and landed significant transactions this offseason. As such, they still won't mind adding one of their prominent free agent targets sooner. Los Angeles' ties and well-known hunt around Peyton Watson emerge yet again, as the talented forward was spotted having a brief time with Rob Pelinka. Pelinka embraced Watson before Friday's Summer League game of the Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both of them engaged in a conversation before the Denver Nuggets wing ultimately left the scene. — 7/11/2026 BasketNews
After the Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option on June 29, Lakers president of basketball operations/general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick met with Kuminga the following day. A part of the Lakers’ free-agency pitch to Kuminga, a source told the California Post, was the Lakers seeing Kuminga as a high-level, starting wing who would complete the vision of their roster reconstruction around superstar guard Luka Doncic. — 7/8/2026 New York Post
Pelinka has remained in touch with Kuminga's agent, Aaron Turner, subtly improving their offer in recent days, league sources told ESPN, while reiterating to Kuminga his importance to what the Lakers are building around Doncic, a likely starting role and what the opportunity could do for his career. But Kuminga and Turner haven't jumped at it, believing there are still avenues to better deals as the offseason dominos continue to fall. That could include sign-and-trade opportunities involving the Hawks. — 7/7/2026 ESPN
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Rob Pelinka's plan to hire another Lakers assistant GM on hold amid ownership transition
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