ESPN analyst puts dark cloud over Lakers GM Rob Pelinka's future after historic $12.5B sale

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves now serving as the faces of the franchise. However, Lakers basketball is entering a new era on the organizational front as well following Wednesday's shocking developments.

Los Angeles will have new ownership after a stunning deal. The historic $12.5 billion sale of the Lakers is the largest sale in NBA history.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price, multiple sources told ESPN. The businessmen were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but in a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an aggressive offer to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who purchased a controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year for a then-record franchise valuation of approximately $10 billion,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne wrote.

This marks the beginning of a new era for the Lakers organization. It also means Doncic will be playing under his fifth different majority ownership group.

“This means Luka will have played for five different majority NBA owners once the deal closes. He is entering his ninth season,” The Athletic’s Christian Clark wrote.

While there are plenty of potential winners in this new era for the Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka could be nearing the end of his tenure. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith sounded the alarm about Pelinka’s future with the organization.

“I think Rob Pelinka will not be there running basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. I don't believe that will happen moving forward... If there is a way to get [Bob Myers], I think you go get him. This is my belief,” Smith said.

Under new ownership, there could be significant changes throughout the organization, or the new owners could choose to maintain much of the current structure. However, Pelinka was elevated to his current position during the Jeanie Buss era, and with Mark Walter no longer in control, his future could become uncertain.

It would be an unfortunate ending for Pelinka, but his future as the Lakers' general manager appears increasingly unclear. His tenure has included both questionable decisions and moves that helped the franchise win a championship. Ultimately, every front-office tenure comes to an end at some point, and Pelinka could be approaching that point in Los Angeles.

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