On 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.
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.
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.
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.
Per the NBA, Pelinka finished behind Presti, Koby Altman, Trajan Langdon, Rafael Stone and Lawrence Frank.
Lakers fans took to social media to express their discontent.
The voting panel for the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award consisted of one basketball executive from each NBA team.
The complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JTYp3oKAwq
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 6, 2025
One commented, “Lakers will always be hated on!”
Another questioned, “Everyone said that Luka was the steal of the century and Pelinka doesn’t win this? How? … These voters are a joke.”
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.”
“ROB PELINKA AT 6?!?! THE NBA NEEDS TO FIX THIS,” exclaimed another.
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.
LA aims to build a more cohesive team around Doncic and LeBron James, striving to return to championship contention in the upcoming season.
Related: Luka Doncic Makes Major Decision After Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves
Related: Lakers Fans React to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s First Post After Bucks’ Loss
On 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.
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.
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.
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.
Per the NBA, Pelinka finished behind Presti, Koby Altman, Trajan Langdon, Rafael Stone and Lawrence Frank.
Lakers fans took to social media to express their discontent.
The voting panel for the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award consisted of one basketball executive from each NBA team.
The complete voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JTYp3oKAwq
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 6, 2025
One commented, “Lakers will always be hated on!”
Another questioned, “Everyone said that Luka was the steal of the century and Pelinka doesn’t win this? How? … These voters are a joke.”
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.”
“ROB PELINKA AT 6?!?! THE NBA NEEDS TO FIX THIS,” exclaimed another.
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.
LA aims to build a more cohesive team around Doncic and LeBron James, striving to return to championship contention in the upcoming season.
Related: Luka Doncic Makes Major Decision After Lakers’ Loss to Timberwolves
Related: Lakers Fans React to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s First Post After Bucks’ Loss
