Lakers exceptionalism is back, and there is no clearer voice of this phenomenon than the team’s own general manager. Rob Pelinka, it seems, enjoys the salty tears of the rest of the NBA.
In consecutive offseasons, another team’s superstar (first Paul George, now Kawhi Leonard) shifted their gaze to the welcoming weather and bright lights the Lakers have to offer, with only one problem: their contracts. And, for the second straight summer, said stars team (last year, the Indiana Pacers; now, the San Antonio Spurs) are doing whatever they can do avoid sending the face of their franchise to their preferred destination.