CONFIRMED: Los Angeles Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss makes smart move to appoint former Lakers QB and Lamar Odom as new GM after several mess by Rob Pelinka which leads to…

 In a dramatic shakeup at the top of the Los Angeles Lakers organization, owner Jeanie Buss has made the bold decision to appoint former Lakers star Lamar Odom as the team’s new General Manager. The move comes after a series of questionable decisions and personnel blunders made by current GM Rob Pelinka, which have drawn increasing criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Sources close to the Lakers confirmed the news this morning, with Odom officially being introduced as the new GM in a press conference at the team’s training facility. The announcement marks a historic moment for the Lakers, as Odom, a beloved franchise icon, returns to the team in a front-office role after a successful playing career that included two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.

A Bold Move by Jeanie Buss

Jeanie Buss, who has owned the Lakers since 2013, made no secret of her frustration with the recent direction of the team under Pelinka’s leadership. Despite winning the NBA Championship in 2020, the Lakers have been mired in instability over the past few seasons, with underperformance, roster imbalances, and unsuccessful trades hampering the team’s championship aspirations.

Pelinka, who has served as the Lakers’ GM since 2017, has faced mounting criticism for a number of high-profile roster moves that have not panned out as expected. The team’s recent struggles — which include a lack of depth, failed free-agent signings, and unsuccessful trades — were seen as the tipping point that ultimately led Buss to make the change.

“Lamar is a winner, and he understands what it means to be a Laker,” Buss said during the press conference. “His basketball IQ, his leadership, and his commitment to this organization are unparalleled. We’re entering a new era, and I believe Lamar will help us build a roster that not only competes for championships, but one that embodies the heart and soul of the Lakers legacy.”

Pelinka’s Troubles and the Fall From Grace

Rob Pelinka’s tenure as Lakers GM has been a mix of highs and lows. While he was initially lauded for orchestrating the trade that brought LeBron James to Los Angeles in 2018, Pelinka’s later moves have drawn heavy scrutiny. His decisions to trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021, which ultimately led to chemistry issues with LeBron and Anthony Davis, have been particularly criticized. More recently, Pelinka has faced backlash for the team’s inability to sign the right free agents, as well as missteps in constructing a roster that can compete consistently for titles.

The Lakers’ inability to make it out of the second round of the playoffs in recent years, despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis in their prime, has only fueled the pressure on Pelinka. Even though the team has been competitive, they have failed to surround their superstar duo with the right pieces to challenge for championships.

“It’s been clear for a while now that there was a disconnect between Pelinka’s vision and what the Lakers needed to move forward,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “While Pelinka has made some good moves, there’s been a lack of consistency and long-term planning. Jeanie Buss is making a statement that the Lakers’ future needs fresh leadership.”

The Lamar Odom Factor

Lamar Odom, who played for the Lakers from 2004 to 2011, was a key piece of two championship-winning teams, known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to perform in clutch moments. His career achievements, including winning Sixth Man of the Year in 2011, make him one of the most respected figures in recent Lakers history.

After retiring from playing, Odom has made attempts at various ventures, but his return to the Lakers organization is seen as a full-circle moment. His basketball background and his deep understanding of the Lakers’ culture and philosophy could be the perfect tonic for the team’s current struggles.

“I’m beyond excited to come back to a franchise that I love,” Odom said in his introductory press conference. “I know what it takes to win here, and I’m ready to put in the work to make sure we’re competing for titles again. I believe in this team, and I’m ready to help build a championship roster.”

Odom’s appointment is also seen as an effort to infuse a new sense of culture into the Lakers front office. His first-hand experience with the Lakers’ legendary era, which included Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and coach Phil Jackson, gives him a unique perspective on how to build a winning team — not just through talent, but through chemistry and leadership.

What This Means for the Lakers

With Odom now at the helm, the Lakers are expected to undergo a series of changes. It’s unclear yet whether Pelinka will remain with the team in another capacity, but it’s widely speculated that he could be reassigned or allowed to leave. Odom’s first task will be to evaluate the current roster, assess potential trade targets, and make key decisions on free agents heading into the 2025 season.

Analysts believe that Odom’s influence will bring a more collaborative approach to the front office. The Lakers’ struggles with roster construction have often been attributed to a lack of cohesion between the coaching staff and front office. Odom, who has a strong relationship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, could help bridge that gap and create a unified vision for the team.

“Lamar is someone who can command respect from the players, but also bring the kind of strategic insight needed to build a team that can compete at the highest level,” said former NBA player and analyst Richard Jefferson. “He’s a competitor, and he knows what it takes to win championships. That mentality is exactly what the Lakers need.”

The Road Ahead

The Lakers, under Odom’s leadership, will be looking to make significant moves in the upcoming trade deadline and free-agent market. The success or failure of this decision will likely define the future of the Lakers for years to come. With LeBron James still playing at an elite level and Davis in his prime, the window for competing for titles is still open, but only if the right roster pieces are put in place.

For Jeanie Buss, appointing Lamar Odom is a statement move — one that could either be the catalyst for a new era of Lakers success or a bold gamble that doesn’t pay off. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the Lakers are ready for a change, and the future of the franchise now rests in the hands of a familiar, beloved face.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Odom to see if he can help the Lakers reclaim their rightful place among the NBA’s elite teams.