The Lakers are finally leaning into their identity as a financial heavyweight - and they’re doing it in a way that could reshape the franchise from the top down.
With new owner Mark Walter now at the helm, Los Angeles is poised to flex some serious off-court muscle. Walter, who also owns the Dodgers, brings a level of wealth that stands in stark contrast to the financial limitations of the Buss family era.
And while the NBA’s salary cap keeps spending on players in check, there’s no such ceiling when it comes to building out the front office. That’s where the Lakers are now looking to make their biggest moves.
According to Rob Pelinka, President of Basketball Operations, the Lakers are planning a sweeping overhaul of their front office staff - a report he confirmed just ahead of the team’s win over the Warriors this past weekend. Pelinka and team Governor Jeanie Buss will oversee the hiring process, signaling a commitment from the very top of the organization to invest in the infrastructure behind the scenes.
Now, there’s a natural question that comes with this: Should Pelinka, whose own job security could be tied to the team’s performance this summer, be the one steering this expansion? Fair question.
But the reality is, this falls squarely under his responsibilities. Regardless of the pressure, he’s the one tasked with building out a front office that can support the Lakers in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason.
The timing of these hires will be key. Midseason front office movement is rare - and rarely public - so it’s unclear how quickly new personnel can come in.
But urgency is warranted. This summer could define the next era of Lakers basketball, and that makes strengthening the scouting department and front office a top priority.
This is where the Lakers can - and should - separate themselves from the pack. They’re still one of the league’s most iconic brands, and now they have the financial firepower to match.
Most teams don’t have the luxury of outspending their mistakes or building elite infrastructure behind the scenes. The Lakers do.
If they’re serious about returning to the top of the NBA, this is the moment to act like it. The resources are there.
The opportunity is there. Now it’s about execution.
The Lakers have always been a marquee franchise. With this move, they’re finally starting to operate like one.