Rob Pelinka: “Anything short of a championship is not success” for Lakers

Rob Pelinka
May 20, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Frank Vogel (right) addresses the media at a press conference as he is introduced as the new Los Angeles Lakers head coach at UCLA Health Training Center. Left is Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2019-20 season with sky-high expectations. By acquiring Anthony Davis and other talented players like Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins, the team has set itself up to contend for a championship this season and beyond.

Similarly, there will be several teams vying for the title this year in an NBA environment that seems to have more parity than ever before. Many consider the Clippers to be the title favorites after signing reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and trading for Paul George but teams like the Rockets, Bucks, Nuggets, Blazers and 76ers will all have their eyes on the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Regardless of the state of the league, the Lakers set their own expectations and if general manager Rob Pelinka is to be believed, the standards are unquestionably high.

Of course, the Lakers brand will always follow the championship or bust model. This year, however, they will have a legitimate chance at bringing home the 17th championship for the franchise so long as LeBron James and Davis remain healthy.

Pelinka is the lead architect of building a roster around those two to compete against the very best teams in the league, most of whom have much more continuity to their advantage. To that point, Pelinka made sure to credit both James and Davis for their assistance in doing just that. The two stars recruited several of the players that the team ultimately signed.

Pelinka later spoke at length about each of the Lakers’ free agent signings while pointing out that they may keep their final roster spot open through training camp in the event that top buyout candidates become available:

The Lakers will have their work cut out for them if they wish to win a title. But they have the makings of a team that can do just that. With two superstars and a roster built to fit in with their strengths and weaknesses, it’s no wonder why the franchise’s expectations are so high.

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