Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka says the team’s split with forward LeBron James was amicable.
Pelinka made the comments at a press conference ahead of the Lakers’ preseason opener on October 6, as the team prepares for life after James. LeBron James spent eight seasons with the Lakers before leaving the franchise this offseason to join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal.
During his time in Los Angeles, James helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship and reach the Western Conference Finals. The Lakers also advanced past the Houston Rockets in the 2025/26 playoffs before their campaign ended at the semifinal stage.
Pelinka says the organisation remains grateful for James’ contribution as the Lakers begin a new chapter without the four-time NBA champion.
“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.”
“I think the communications with him this offseason were held diplomatically, professionally and honestly. It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully.”
“We looked at the whole thing with gratitude, because it’s been an incredible era for us here” Pelinka said.
