Pelinka: Lakers grateful for run with LeBron, exit 'done amicably' - ESPN

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said LeBron James' decision to leave the franchise this summer was «done amicably» and that the Lakers remain thankful for their time with the all-time great.

«I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,» Pelinka said Thursday before a season-opening news conference alongside Lakers coach JJ Redick.

«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.»

Thursday's news conference was two months to the day since James agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers and an occasion for Pelinka to share his first remarks about James' departure.

«The Lakers have become — as they should — a perennial playoff team,» Pelinka continued, looking back at James' eight years in L.A. «Won a championship, went to the Western Conference finals. It was a great era, and we're grateful for it. I think it's important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter.»

James' longtime friend and agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed the Lakers about eight hours before the official start of free agency on June 30 that his client would be seeking a new team.

The decision was an about-face from James' previous public stance during NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis in February 2024.

«I am a Laker and I'm happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,» James said at the time.

James' choice also came after Pelinka publicly lobbied to bring James back during an exit interview news conference with reporters