NBA Notes: Lakers, Rob Pelinka, Wizards, Alex Sarr, Timberwolves

Lakers

The Lakers have new owners coming. Whether they’ll eventually want a new person running basketball operations remains to be seen.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that Rob Pelinka’s long-term standing is one of the questions surrounding the franchise after Josh Kushner and Bob Iger agreed to purchase the Lakers from Mark Walter.

One agent told ESPN that Iger’s intention to keep Jeanie Buss as governor should help Pelinka, saying, “As long as Jeanie’s in a good position, I think Rob is in a good position.”

Another wasn’t so certain, suggesting Pelinka may essentially have the next six months to demonstrate that his latest roster overhaul is working.

There’s another interesting name floating around, too.

Multiple sources told ESPN that recently retired Chris Paul is someone to watch for a potential role with the organization. Paul and Iger have developed a close relationship over the years.

Nothing appears imminent there. But with new ownership arriving, it’s certainly something worth remembering.

Wizards

The Wizards have added Trae Young, Anthony Davis and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa.

But Henry Brown of Wizards On SI argues that one of their most important developments could still come from someone who was already there: Alex Sarr.

Sarr made progress during his second season, particularly by attacking the basket more instead of settling for jumpers. His true shooting percentage climbed from 48.2 to 54.4 percent, and his finishing around the rim improved considerably.

The problem was staying on the floor. Sarr appeared in just seven games after early February because of injuries and later fractured his foot in June. He’s expected to be ready for the season.

His role will also look considerably different alongside Davis and Deandre Ayton. That could create some offensive spacing issues, but Davis should also relieve Sarr of some of the defensive burden he carried last season.

The Wizards don’t necessarily need Sarr to be their savior anymore. That may actually help him become a better player.

Timberwolves

Every year, it seems, the Timberwolves talk about unlocking more of Jaden McDaniels offensively.

Maybe this is finally the year they actually do it.

Andrew Dukowitz of Timberwolves On SI makes the case for an expanded role after McDaniels averaged a career-high 14.8 points and 2.7 assists last season while posting a career-best 61.1 percent true shooting mark.

Minnesota president Tim Connelly has already said McDaniels has “a whole ’nother gear to reach,” specifically pointing to his potential as a playmaker. There’s also more opportunity now.

With Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball established as the primary offensive weapons, Minnesota doesn’t have an obvious No. 3 option. McDaniels could get the first crack at becoming one.

He’s already one of the league’s premier defensive wings. If there’s considerably more offense hiding in there, this would be a pretty good year for the Timberwolves to find it.