Lakers GM Pelinka and coach Redick discuss future after LeBron James exit
Lakers executives addressed the media regarding the team's direction following LeBron James's departure for the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighting roster changes and new ownership dynamics.
Key points
- LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, veteran's minimum deal in July 2026.
- General manager Rob Pelinka thanked James for eight years together but declined to detail the partnership's end.
- The Athletic reported the split resulted from differing priorities, with the Lakers focusing on Luka Doncic.
- Pelinka highlighted the addition of center Walker Kessler and expressed optimism about discussions with new owners.
- Bronny James remains on the Lakers roster as the team navigates these significant roster changes.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held a news conference at the team's training complex in El Segundo, California, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to address the upcoming season following the departure of LeBron James.
Pelinka began the session by thanking James for their eight years together, though he declined to provide specific details regarding the dissolution of their partnership. James informed the Lakers on June 30 that he would not return to the franchise. Subsequently, on July 24, James chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers via a two-year, veteran's minimum deal.
The general manager expressed optimism regarding his initial discussions with the Lakers' latest new owners and praised continued additions to the front office. He also highlighted significant roster changes, specifically noting the addition of center Walker Kessler.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the split between James and the Lakers resulted from differing priorities. Woike stated that the Lakers had a plan to build a team around Luka Doncic in free agency using cap space, while James was unwilling to be a non-priority for the franchise. Woike described the situation as a "mutual divorce."
James entered unrestricted free agency last summer out of his expiring $52.6 million player option salary for the 2025-26 season. Although the Lakers indicated their primary goal was to retain James, the franchise faced questions about how to achieve this given their roster needs and the urgent approach of building around Doncic.
Bronny James, who is entering his third season in the NBA with the Lakers, remains part of the roster as the team navigates these changes. The franchise has expressed belief in his potential, citing his athleticism and length, while he focuses on his own path with the younger Lakers group.
Your questions, answered
Why did LeBron James leave the Lakers
According to The Athletic, the split resulted from differing priorities, as the Lakers planned to build around Luka Doncic while James was unwilling to be a non-priority.
Which team did LeBron James join after leaving the Lakers
LeBron James chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers via a two-year, veteran's minimum deal on July 24, 2026.
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