LeBron James is gone, but Lakers GM Pelinka and coach Redick are excited about the future
Rob Pelinka said the Lakers met their three offseason goals, including a four-year, $180 million extension for Austin Reaves and a $130 million deal for Walker Kessler.
- On Thursday, Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka outlined the team's strategic pivot toward building a younger roster around Luka Doncic following LeBron James' departure to the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Pelinka expressed gratitude for the 'LeBron era' after James departed this summer, ending an eight-year tenure that included the 2020 championship and established the franchise as a consistent playoff contender.
- To execute their three-part plan, the Lakers re-signed Austin Reaves to a four-year, $180 million deal and acquired 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade for $130 million.
- Supporting their new core, the front office signed Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton, adding depth and versatility to align the roster age with Doncic and Reaves.
- With an average roster age of approximately 26, the Lakers seek their seventh playoff appearance in eight seasons, positioning Doncic as the franchise centerpiece for the 2026-27 campaign.
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Santa Maria Times
THE SECOND, California, USA (AP) — LeBron James has left, and that is not the only big change the Los Angeles Lakers are facing next season.
Washington, Sep 24 (EFE).- Los Angeles Lakers CEO Rob Pelinka said Thursday that LeBron James's departure from the franchise this summer was "friendly" and he was grateful for the time the player spent on the team. "I am very grateful for the relationship we had, which lasted [...] The entry Los Lakers claims that LeBron James' departure was "friendly" was first published in HolaNews.
Rob Pelinka Addresses LeBron James’ Exit as JJ Redick Gives Verdict on Current Lakers Roster
The Lakers’ pivot away from the LeBron James era didn’t start this offseason. It began back in February 2025, when the franchise stunned the league by trading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic, even while James was still very much the face of the roster. That move quietly signaled where the organization’s long-term plans […]
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