‘We Are Co-Creators’ — Rob Pelinka Reveals Luka Dončić’s Influence on Lakers’ Roster Decisions

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a new era. Since LeBron James left Los Angeles for the Philadelphia 76ers , the team will no longer have the veteran superstar who has been at the center of the franchise for the last several years. Instead, much of the responsibility will now fall on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves .

With the 2026-27 NBA season just weeks away, Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka has revealed more about Dončić's involvement in the team's direction.

Rob Pelinka's Recent Revelation Regarding Luka Dončić

In a recent interview with ESPN, Pelinka described Dončić as a highly creative basketball mind and a valued collaborator in decision-making.

While Pelinka remains the person with final authority over roster moves, Dončić has made it clear that he does not want to become the team's general manager or head coach. Instead, Pelinka described their relationship as a collaborative co-creator approach.

"I feel like we are co-creators with him, because he is a very creative basketball mind. Ultimately, I have the final responsibility to make calls on the roster, and Luka is very clear, like, 'I want you to do your job."

"I don't want to be the GM; I don't want to be the head coach. JJ, you are the coach; Rob, you are the GM and president. Do your jobs.' But we can co-create. Let's share ideas, let's break down pros and cons, and look at all aspects of a potential decision point before we make it," Pelinka said during the interview.

So, while Dončić indirectly made it clear that he does not want to be the GM, that does not mean he has a small role within the Lakers' organization. His role as a player is already massive.

During the 2025-26 NBA season, Dončić averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game across 64 starts. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range while leading the league in scoring. Those numbers helped the Lakers finish the regular season with a 53-29 record.

Unfortunately for Los Angeles , Dončić's season ended earlier than expected after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury near the end of the regular season. Dončić ultimately missed the entire postseason while recovering from the Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

The Lakers still managed to get past the Houston Rockets 4-2 in the first round. However, their postseason run ended in the Western Conference semifinals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder swept them.

Now, with Dončić healthy again, expectations around the Lakers will be higher. The front office spent the offseason building a younger and deeper roster around him. Reaves was retained, while Walker Kessler was brought in as the team's new center.

The Lakers also added players such as Quentin Grimes , Collin Sexton , Matisse Thybulle , Ziaire Williams , Sandro Mamukelashvili , and Kevon Looney . So now, without LBJ, the Lakers are preparing for a season where Dončić will be the central figure both on the court and in the franchise's long-term plans.