Pelinka opened the Lakers’ preseason news conference by thanking James and describing their split as amicable.
Rob Pelinka opened the Lakers’ first news conference of the new season by addressing the player who transcended an era in Los Angeles.
Speaking publicly about LeBron James’ departure for the first time Thursday, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations expressed gratitude for James’ eight seasons with the franchise. Pelinka also described the split as amicable.
“I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,” Pelinka said. “Clearly, new team and new players, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. But we as an organization are still grateful for the run that we had with him here.”
James left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency after the Lakers’ second-round playoff exit. He had spent eight seasons in L.A., winning the 2020 championship and becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during that stretch. Last season, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds as the Lakers finished 53-29.
Pelinka turns to the new roster
James’ exit changed the Lakers’ roster and placed Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves firmly at the center of their plans. L.A. re-signed Reaves and acquired Walker Kessler from Utah, adding a center who can finish Dončić’s passes and protect the rim.
Pelinka’s comments Thursday did not offer a detailed account of why James chose Philadelphia. His message was more straightforward: The organization appreciates what James did in L.A., and its attention has turned to the team opening camp.
That distinction matters for a franchise beginning its first season without James since 2017-18. The Lakers are asking Dončić to lead an offense built more deliberately around him, while Reaves takes on an established role beside him. Kessler’s arrival addresses a need for a starting center, but it also gives coach JJ Redick a new frontcourt to integrate with several other additions.
Redick said Thursday that the roster’s pieces fit together better than at any point in his three years with the team. It is an encouraging assessment before camp, though the Lakers still have to establish rotations and prove that fit in games.
A defining eight-year run
James’ departure closes a period that included a title and some difficult seasons. He helped return the Lakers to championship contention in 2020 and remained a major part of their offense through his final year. The decision to leave also came with Dončić in place as the franchise’s long-term centerpiece.
Pelinka had previously spoken about wanting to honor James as he considered his next step. Thursday was his chance to address the outcome directly, with James now preparing for a season in Philadelphia and the Lakers preparing for one without him.
The two teams are scheduled to meet on Christmas Day in L.A. Before that reunion, Pelinka and Redick have a more immediate assignment: turning a heavily changed roster into a connected team.
