NBA fans wasted no time firing shots after the Los Angeles Lakers dropped their opening night game against the Golden State Warriors. But instead of blaming the players or the coach, social media went after Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka — and somehow, even political commentator Charlie Kirk got caught in the crossfire.
It all started when a parody post of Pelinka began making the rounds online.
The tweet read: “Idc if I get fired, Charlie Kirk had it coming. My name is Rob Pelinka and I work for the Los Angeles Lakers,” shared @XPJHX1, sparking a thread full of jokes and wild takes.
Idc if I get fired, Charlie Kirk had it coming
My name is Rob Pelinka and I work for the Los Angeles Lakers
— 🕸️ (@XPJHX1) October 22, 2025
Another fan, @Osrrez, jumped in with, “You sure your name isn’t Jerry Jones or Nico Harrison?” — comparing Pelinka to the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks executives in a sarcastic jab at his decision-making.
Meanwhile, @m4patty piled on with, “What a brave gentleman for sharing his opinion.. let’s give him an EXTENSION!” mocking the Lakers’ front office for keeping Pelinka despite the team’s inconsistent results in recent years.
The Lakers’ loss came after another roster shuffle that once again drew skepticism from NBA fans. Many pointed to questionable signings and rotations, calling the team’s build “top-heavy” and lacking depth. While LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain elite, critics argue the supporting cast doesn’t match up well against faster, more balanced teams like the Warriors.
Still, it’s opening week, and even the best front offices get heat when things start slow. But for NBA fans on social media, Pelinka might as well be the league’s favorite punching bag — and this time, Charlie Kirk just accidentally joined him on the ride.
NBA Fans Mock Lakers’ Roster Choices After Warriors Loss: “They Really Thought He Was Good
After the Lakers’ tough loss to the Warriors, NBA fans turned their attention from Rob Pelinka to the players he brought in — and the reviews weren’t kind.
“Lakers really thought Deandre Ayton was gonna save them,” wrote @NotLikeRuss, referring to rumors that Los Angeles had interest in Ayton before the season.
Lakers really thought Deandre Ayton was gonna save them pic.twitter.com/2Fg3a7HAAB
— 🌨️ (@NotLikeRuss) October 22, 2025
Another fan, @redraiderman1, echoed the frustration with, “They really thought he was good,”
while @PercBabayaga didn’t hold back, adding, “He worse than I thought.”
The Lakers’ front office made several offseason adjustments that were supposed to make the team younger and more versatile. But after one game, NBA fans were already questioning the experiment. Some pointed out that while the starting lineup still leans on LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the rest of the roster feels untested and inconsistent.
Many believe Pelinka’s tendency to chase “name value” over fit continues to haunt the team. Since the 2020 championship run, the Lakers have shuffled players like cards, trying to find chemistry that just won’t stick. The Warriors, meanwhile, looked smoother and more cohesive, highlighting how the Lakers’ moves haven’t exactly paid off yet.
It’s just one game, but NBA fans are quick to remind Pelinka that this version of the Lakers needs more than big names to compete. The frustration isn’t just about losing — it’s about how predictable the problems have become. For fans, the season opener already feels like déjà vu in purple and gold.
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