ESPN Article - Lakers 2.0: The failed reboot of the NBA's crown jewel

DrDent · Franchise Player Joined: 30 Jun 2016 Posts: 12975

The more I've had time to think about all of these things, the more I'm wondering...how much of the media dish have I just chosen to eat and agree with without critically thinking? I'm just playing a little devil's advocate here, especially with myself and my own thinking, but let's consider this...

Now, in no way am I saying things are great. But, let's take a look at the Laker FO narrative that's being sold: They're dysfunctional. No leadership. No idea what they are doing. It's a mess. Stay away. Chernobyl.

The recent article that basically listed from beginning to end all the dysfunction, etc. was basically the "to date historical summary" of the mess we're being fed.

I wont rehash everything we know, but let's take Magic out of the picture and look at what is highlighted as examples of the mess:

1. Pelinka sitting in on player meetings. Ok, maybe not ideal. I dont recall if its listed how many times that happened. But, ok. That alone isnt a reason to sink the ship.

2. Pelinka telling Walton Myers sat in on player meetings. My immediate reaction was - did Like say "yo, I was at GS as a coach, I know what happened"? Article didnt really explore this...but ok, that alone is whatever.

3. Pelinka (along with Magic) going against their scouts wishes as to who to draft? That, honestly, is nothing. That type of stuff happens in FO's across all sports.

4. Pelinka's Heath Ledger story. Ok, now *that* is idiotic. Just dumb. Unless somehow Kobe got some super early screener of some video, it's just a flat out lie that detracts from any "motivation" he intended with the fictional tale. While I think it damages Pelinka's credibility (and would cause me concern as an owner), it doesnt, by itself, turn the FO into a laughing stock that is being presented.

5. The coaching search. I originally bought into the immediate reaction of the way it was handled with Lue was disrespectful. However, looking through a different lens, the Lakers clearly wanted to offer anyone just 3 years and insisted Kidd be an assistant. They needed a match for that. I'm not sure this = dysfunction.

Ok, I *may* be missing something above, but that just about covers everything NON-Magic related (I am not including Magic's complaint about the Walton firing issue - ultimately, Walton left). In other words, take Magic out of the picture, and the dysfunctional arithmetic with story, after story piled up doesnt really fit the narrative that Magic started, and everyone in the press has continued to cultivate.

I would submit the NON-Magic examples of "it's a mess" are pretty much non issues or "meh" in everyday FO operations. The sole exception is Pelinka sticking his foot in his mouth re Ledger, feeding the "he is a liar" narrative about him.

While I would lose no sleep if Pelinka was tossed as the GM and replaced by someone with a little more credibility (and I would almost guarantee the media's all out assault would stop), I am wondering if all of this is just a gigantic misrepresentation and the true culprit of the negative perception is, in the end, Mr. Earvin "Magic" Johnson (e.g. the main reasons for the perception were a result of his decisions and actions, both during his tenor with the Lakers, and now after).