The Los Angeles Lakers and Rob Pelinka have agreed to a contract extension. Along with the extension, Pelinka will also have the new title of president of basketball options.
The Lakers hired Pelinka as general manager in 2017 along with Magic Johnson. Johnson left the Lakers in 2019 with Pelinka then assuming duties as top decision-maker.
“For eight seasons, I have relied on Rob’s vision and leadership to do what’s best for the Lakers organization,” said Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss. “I value his partnership and professionalism and believe in his ability to deliver championship-caliber basketball for Los Angeles and Lakers fans everywhere.”
Over the past 12 months, Pelinka hired JJ Redick as head coach and also traded for Luka Doncic.
Before joining the Lakers, Pelinka was a longtime agent with clients such as Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Andre Iguodala.
The Houston Rockets are now considered even “less likely” to pursue a trade for Kevin Durant this offseason than what was previously thought, sources tell Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.
The Phoenix Suns will work Kevin Durant on a trade this offseason and plan to “pivot and reload” around Devin Booker.
The Rockets own a number of future draft picks originating from the Suns following their trade in June 2024 with the Brooklyn Nets. Houston won 52 games this season and enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
If the Rockets were to make a significant trade for a star, the conventional wisdom has been that they will target a player who more closely matches the age of their young core.
Ja Morant missed the Memphis Grizzlies’ practice on Thursday due to a sprained right ankle.
Morant suffered the injury on Tuesday against the Warriors in the third quarter. Morant would return to the game.
Morant is experiencing significant swelling in the ankle and has been receiving round-the-clock treatment.
“If he’s physically able to do it, he will do it. It’s a legitimate game-time decision,” said Tuomas Iisalo.
