{"id":126134,"date":"2025-02-28T09:38:04","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=126134"},"modified":"2025-02-28T09:38:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:38:04","slug":"pelinka-using-2023-moves-to-break-executive-of-the-year-hoodoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/28\/pelinka-using-2023-moves-to-break-executive-of-the-year-hoodoo\/","title":{"rendered":"Pelinka Using 2023 Moves To Break Executive Of The Year Hoodoo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA is a multibillion-dollar league full of irony. One of the biggest ironies involves Rob Pelinka, the Lakers&#8217; general manager. In 2023, he finished <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/lakers\/news\/where-rob-pelinka-finished-in-nbas-executive-of-the-year-voting-ak1987\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">11th<\/a> in Executive of the Year voting despite completely revamping the Lakers&#8217; roster midseason. He moved on from the disastrous <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a> experiment and built a team that <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/teams\/LAL\/2023.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">surged<\/a> to the Western Conference Finals. Yet, he received little recognition for his efforts. Now, in 2025, Rob Pelinka is in pole position to win Executive of the Year, and ironically, it&#8217;s because of his 2023 moves.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Rob Pelinka Using 2023 Moves To Break Executive Of The Year Hoodoo<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>The Moves That Reshaped the Lakers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Pelinka\u2019s transformative work started in January 2023 when he traded for <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hachiru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rui Hachimura.<\/a> The Lakers sent <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/n\/nunnke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kendrick Nunn<\/a> and multiple second-round picks to the Wizards in a deal that seemed minor at the time. However, Hachimura became a key contributor in the playoffs and later re-signed on a team-friendly contract.<\/p>\n<p>The real fireworks happened at the trade deadline in February. The Lakers made several moves that reshaped the roster:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Four-team trade:<\/strong> The Lakers traded <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beverpa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Beverley<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bryanth01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thomas Bryant<\/a> and received <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bambamo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mo Bamba<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reedda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Davon Reed<\/a>, and two second-round picks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blockbuster three-team deal:<\/strong> The Lakers sent Westbrook, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesda03.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Damian Jones<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/toscaju01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juan Toscano-Anderson<\/a>, and a 2027 first-round pick to the Jazz. In return, they acquired <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/russeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beaslma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malik Beasley<\/a>, and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vandeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jarred Vanderbilt.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These moves immediately improved the team\u2019s depth, defense, and shooting. The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/23\/lakers-bury-demons-and-show-their-title-credentials-in-doncic-debut\/\" target=\"_self\">Lakers<\/a> went on to win 18 of their final 26 regular-season games and reached the Conference Finals.<\/p>\n<p>Pelinka\u2019s offseason work in 2023 was just as crucial. He retained <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Austin Reaves<\/a>, Hachimura, and Russell while signing <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vincega01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gabe Vincent<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hayesja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaxson Hayes<\/a>. He also drafted <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hoodsja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jalen Hood-Schifino<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lewisma05.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maxwell Lewis<\/a>. At the time, these moves were seen as great initially but later seen as unspectacular as the Lakers struggled under Darvin Ham. Now, they look like the foundation of a title contender.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>How These Moves Secured Pelinka\u2019s Executive of the Year Case<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Lakers\u2019 2024-25 season started with inconsistency. A 10-4 record turned into a 13-12 struggle due to injuries and losing streaks. Then, Los Angeles suffered wildfires, forcing the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/28\/nba-announces-rescheduled-dates-for-postponed-games\/\" target=\"_self\">postponement<\/a> of two games. That adversity gave the team a rallying point, and they haven\u2019t looked back.<\/p>\n<p>Since the postponed games, the Lakers have won 16 of 21 games. They lead the league in defensive rating during that <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/teams\/defense?dir=A&amp;sort=DEF_RATING&amp;DateFrom=01%2F13%2F2025&amp;DateTo=02%2F28%2F2025\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">span<\/a>, even after <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/03\/whats-next-for-the-lakers-after-luka-doncic\/\" target=\"_self\">trading<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisan02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Davis<\/a> for <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a>. Acquiring a 25-year-old, five-time All-NBA player fresh off a trip to the NBA finals is what launched Pelinka\u2019s case. However, the real key to the Lakers\u2019 success has been Pelinka\u2019s earlier moves.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Flipping Russell for Finney-Smith Paid Off<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Pelinka\u2019s best in-season move this year was trading Russell for <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/finnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dorian Finney-Smith.<\/a> The forward has thrived in JJ Redick\u2019s system. He ranks in the <a  href=\"https:\/\/cleaningtheglass.com\/stats\/player\/1134\/onoff#tab-team_efficiency\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">98th<\/a> percentile in expected wins added and has solidified the Lakers\u2019 defense. In exchange, the Lakers gave up an inconsistent Russell and a couple of second-round picks.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Hachimura and Reaves: Steals on Team-Friendly Deals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Hachimura and Reaves continue to exceed expectations. Their growth has sparked debates about whether the Lakers have the best one-through-four star talent in the league. These signings are proving to be some of Pelinka\u2019s best decisions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Vincent and Vanderbilt Are Turning the Corner<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Vincent and Vanderbilt were once considered <a  href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/10106595-nba-rumors-lakers-gabe-vincent-viewed-as-negative-asset-after-33m-contract\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">negative<\/a> assets, but their impact is changing that perception.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Vanderbilt:<\/strong> After missing the first 42 games, he has been a net positive. His rebounding has been crucial in the post-Davis era, improving the team\u2019s offensive rebounding rate by <a  href=\"https:\/\/cleaningtheglass.com\/stats\/player\/4475\/onoff#tab-team_efficiency\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">4.7<\/a>%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vincent:<\/strong> He struggled early in the season but has found his rhythm. In February, he\u2019s shooting <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vincega01\/gamelog\/2025#246-254-sum:pgl_basic\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">36.2<\/a>% from three on 6.4 attempts per game\u2014up from 33% earlier in the season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Jaxson Hayes\u2019 Minimum Contract Becomes Crucial<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Pelinka signed Hayes to a minimum deal, and it\u2019s proving invaluable. With the Lakers lacking size, Hayes has stepped into an important role.<\/p>\n<p>The Lakers also nearly secured <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/willima07.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Williams<\/a> in a trade, but the deal was <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/08\/lakers-hornets-void-mark-williams-dalton-knecht-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">rescinded<\/a> due to a failed physical. If it had gone through, it would have solidified Rob Pelinka\u2019s case for Executive of the Year even further.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why Pelinka Has Been Overlooked in the Past<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Despite his success, Pelinka has never won Executive of the Year. In 2023, he finished 11th, and in 2020, he didn\u2019t win despite building a championship team. There are a few reasons for this:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>He\u2019s a former agent.<\/strong> Many executives disliked him when he worked in player representation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The Rich Paul factor.<\/strong> Some <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/29635739\/what-executive-year-voting-tells-us-nba-values\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">believe<\/a> agent <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/18\/klutch-sports-rich-paul-luka-doncic-anthony-davis-trade\/\" target=\"_self\">Rich Paul<\/a>, rather than Pelinka, deserves credit for assembling the Lakers\u2019 roster.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tampering accusations.<\/strong> The Lakers have been <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/news\/nba-fines-los-angeles-lakers-violating-anti-tampering-giannis-antetokounmpo#:~:text=The%20NBA%20announced%20today%20that,in%20a%20recent%20media%20interview.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">fined<\/a> for tampering multiple times, and some executives may hold that against Pelinka.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Regardless of past snubs, Pelinka\u2019s 2023 moves have positioned the Lakers for sustained success. He also <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/01\/22\/time-for-the-lakers-to-reverse-their-dalton-knecht-decision\/\" target=\"_self\">drafted<\/a> who many consider to be the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.foxsports.com\/stories\/nba\/lebron-gloats-after-lakers-rookie-dalton-knecht-drops-37-did-anybody-watch-him\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">steal<\/a> of the 2024 draft in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/knechda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dalton Knecht.<\/a> If voters judge fairly, Rob Pelinka should finally break his Executive of the Year hoodoo.<\/p>\n<p><em><label>Credit: <\/label>\u00a9 Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA is a multibillion-dollar league full of irony. One of the biggest ironies involves Rob Pelinka, the Lakers&#8217; general manager. In 2023, he finished 11th in Executive of the Year voting despite completely revamping the Lakers&#8217; roster midseason. He moved on from the disastrous Russell Westbrook experiment and built a team that surged to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5018,"featured_media":126146,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,26],"tags":[49864,49979,240,4556,307,49212,2272,4921,2941,1962,1133,293,4044,49994,1382,494,2389,759,1749,53],"class_list":["post-126134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-lakers","tag-2022-23-season","tag-2024-25-nba-season","tag-anthony-davis","tag-austin-reaves","tag-dangelo-russell","tag-dalton-knecht","tag-dorian-finney-smith","tag-gabe-vincent","tag-jarred-vanderbilt","tag-jaxson-hayes","tag-luka-doncic","tag-malik-beasley","tag-mark-williams","tag-nba-executive-of-the-year","tag-nba-trade","tag-patrick-beverley","tag-rich-paul","tag-rob-pelinka","tag-rui-hachimura","tag-russell-westbrook"],"modified_by":"Frederick Okocha","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=126134"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":126147,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126134\/revisions\/126147"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/126146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}