Rob Pelinka's LeBron James Message Could Be Bad News For Luka Doncic

Back in early February, general manager Rob Pelinka shocked the basketball world by trading away Anthony Davis in a blockbuster deal to acquire Luka Doncic. The move signaled a clear shift in the Lakers' direction—building long-term around Doncic as the franchise centerpiece.

While that commitment still stands, Pelinka acknowledged that the move created a significant roster imbalance—particularly at the center position, which proved to be a glaring weakness in their first-round series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers were eliminated in five games, and their lack of size was a major factor.

"When you make a huge trade at the deadline—trading your starting center for a point guard—of course that's going to create significant issues with the roster," Pelinka said. "We saw some of those play out. One of our primary goals is going to be to add size to our frontcourt at the center position."

However, Pelinka rai sed eyebrows when he pivoted to discussing LeBron James, emphasizing the front office's continued efforts to satisfy the veteran star's expectations.

"I think LeBron is going to have high expectations for the roster," Pelinka said. "And we are going to do whatever we can to meet them."

The comment sparked debate among fans, many of whom questioned Pelinka's priorities—wondering why the team appears to still be catering to the 40-year-old James instead of fully focusing on the 26-year-old Doncic.

"Meet LeBron's expectations? Not Luka's??" A fan said.

"Should be Luka's expectations," another fan posted.

"Respectfully needs whatever Luka wants now," someone else added.

One more fan commented, "Why are we catering to a 40 year old player that can't be a top 2 option on a real championship contending team? Ask Luka what he wants."

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick.Gary A&period; Vasquez-Imagn Images

Pelinka, who recently signed a long-term extension, has made several major moves in recent years to bolster the Lakers' roster—despite the team fa lling short with back-to-back first-round exits in the Western Conference playoffs.

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