Lakers GM Rob Pelinka praised Luka Doncic as the world’s best offensive player ahead of the new season. Pelinka also discussed Austin Reaves taking on bigger leadership duties following his lucrative extension. The comments come after Los Angeles extensively retooled its roster during the offseason.
During the Los Angeles Lakers‘ press conference ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, general manager Rob Pelinka spoke about the two main guards of the team, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Position
PG, SG
Age
27
Height
203 cm
Weight
104 kg
Birth place
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Pelinka showed great appreciation for having Doncic on the team and praised his talent:
“Luka’s the world’s greatest offensive player,” Pelinka claimed.
“And for us to be able to have an opportunity as a franchise to have that player in our building every night as a 26 year old is special and it requires us to do special things to the team around him. That’s what we started this summer and we’re really, really happy with the way it’s looking so far.”
Increased responsibility for Austin Reaves 
Austin Reaves
Credit Getty Images via AFP – Scanpix
Pelinka was asked about Reaves potential improvement next season, possibly eyeing for an All-Star selection and the Lakers GM addressed the new responsibilities that come with being a max level player.
“One of the things we talked to Austin about is like, what does it mean once you’re a max level player? What new responsibilities come your way with that leadership and showing others by example like how to get better,” Pelinka said.
“So he’s got a whole tool chest of new things that he’s gotta improve on and work at to be a great leader. That’s something he and I and JJ [Reddick] talked about. He embraces that challenge, and I think not only will we see continued growth in his basketball game, but I think we’ll see really strong growth in his leadership skills.”
Lakers’ rebuilt their roster ahead of new season
Los Angeles’ biggest offseason move was acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade. The Lakers sent two first-round picks and two first-round swaps to Utah before signing Kessler to a four-year deal.
The Lakers also signed Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams in free agency.
Jaden Hardy arrived from Washington in the trade that sent Deandre Ayton to the Wizards.
Los Angeles also re-signed Reaves to a four-year, $180 million contract.
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