Pelinka: Lakers will be 'greatest sports franchise in the world'
Make the Lakers great again.
The Los Angeles Lakers projected extreme confidence in Friday's introductory press conference for new general manager Rob Pelinka, who echoed part-owner Jeanie Buss in promising the NBA's marquee franchise would return to its former state of glory.
"We are going to deliver on Jeanie's challenge to us all, to make the Lakers the greatest sports franchise in the world," Pelinka announced. "That will happen."
Running Mates #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/TkxOoF2JpE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 10, 2017
"We had an amazing meeting yesterday with all the leadership members here," Pelinka added. "That spirit of collaboration with Dr. Buss was happening yesterday. Visions were being cast."
Pelinka's unveiling was attended by the entire ensemble of Lakers royalty. Kobe Bryant beamed as his dear friend and former agent took the podium alongside president Magic Johnson. The Buss family (minus the recently outcast Jim) were also on hand.
The Mamba alongside the Buss family #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/7Cj90HkWUB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 10, 2017
Pelinka stopped short of putting a timeline on the Lakers' return to greatness, but made it clear that he intends to recruit more talent for Luke Walton to coach.
"We have some really strong young talent on this team. But in terms of accountability, we're 29th out of 30 teams and that's not acceptable," Pelinka said. "We have to get better talent for Luke to coach. ...
"Our timeline is to be aggressive, and to grow with quality players. We'll develop our young guys - we have some amazing players like Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, I could go through the whole list. Developing those guys is key, but then we have to add other significant players to that through free agency."