NBASep 25
Lakers turn the page as Pelinka reflects on LeBron James departure
Rob Pelinka described a respectful split with James, while JJ Redick expressed confidence in the Lakers’ reshaped roster.
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Gratitude as Los Angeles moves forward
The Lakers are entering life without LeBron James with appreciation rather than public friction. Speaking Thursday in El Segundo alongside coach JJ Redick, basketball operations president and general manager Rob Pelinka said the organization handled James’ departure professionally and remains thankful for his time in Los Angeles. Pelinka’s first public comments on the move came two months after James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Reflecting on James’ eight years with the Lakers, Pelinka highlighted a championship, a Western Conference finals appearance and the franchise’s standing as a regular playoff contender.
A change despite interest in a return
James’ agent, Rich Paul, notified the Lakers about eight hours before free agency opened on June 30 that the star would pursue another team. That decision followed James’ earlier public expressions of happiness in Los Angeles and Pelinka’s efforts to advocate for his return. In May, after the Lakers’ second-round elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Pelinka had emphasized James’ contributions and the organization’s desire to keep him. Asked why James ultimately chose Philadelphia, Pelinka did not identify a specific cause. Instead, he stressed that offseason discussions had been honest and respectful through the decision to separate.
Redick backs the new roster
Redick did not directly discuss James’ exit at the news conference, but he offered a positive assessment of the roster left behind, indicating that its pieces fit together better than in his previous Lakers seasons. James has thanked the Lakers publicly without yet explaining his decision in detail. More insight could come with a new episode of his podcast scheduled for Friday, followed by Philadelphia’s media day Monday in Camden, New Jersey.
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