More than a year ago, when the longest season had not yet begun, on the day before the Lakers held their first practice, vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka fielded a question at Media Day about the team’s expectations for the season.
Pelinka referenced “two of the best players in the universe … that’s a really strong starting point.” While being determined to live in the now, Pelinka allowed the goal of being “the last team standing.”
Sitting next to Pelinka way back on that Sept. 27, 2019 day, Frank Vogel likewise stressed staying in the moment and the team’s ability to achieve the “ultimate prize.