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<\/p>\nOn Tuesday, the NBA announced that Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was named the 2024-25 Executive of the Year. Presti received 10 first-place votes, totaling 74 points, and appeared on 22 of the 30 ballots.<\/p>\n
His strategic moves, including the acquisition of key players like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, contributed to the Thunder’s impressive 68-14 record, securing the best record in the NBA and the top seed in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n
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However, the announcement sparked frustration among Los Angeles Lakers fans, as their general manager, Rob Pelinka, finished sixth in the voting with just one first-place vote.<\/p>\n
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
This outcome was particularly surprising given Pelinka’s midseason blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, a move widely regarded as one of the most impactful in recent NBA history.<\/p>\n
Per the NBA, Pelinka finished behind Presti, Koby Altman, Trajan Langdon, Rafael Stone and Lawrence Frank.<\/p>\n
Lakers fans took to social media to express their discontent.<\/p>\n
One commented, “Lakers will always be hated on!”<\/p>\n
Another questioned, “Everyone said that Luka was the steal of the century and Pelinka doesn\u2019t win this? How? … These voters are a joke.”<\/p>\n
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Yet another added, “How does Rob get only ONE first-place vote when he pulled off the biggest trade in NBA history? Make that make sense.”<\/p>\n
“ROB PELINKA AT 6?!?! THE NBA NEEDS TO FIX THIS,” exclaimed another.<\/p>\n
The Lakers concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a 50-32 record, clinching the Pacific Division title. However, their postseason run was cut short with a first-round playoff exit, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games.<\/p>\n
LA aims to build a more cohesive team around Doncic and LeBron James, striving to return to championship contention in the upcoming season.<\/p>\n
Related: Luka Doncic Makes Major Decision After Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves<\/a><\/p>\n