Add The California Post on Google After opening media availability with a moment of silence for Lawrence Tanter, the Lakers thanked LeBron James for his eight seasons in Los Angeles.
“I thought it would be appropriate, at the front, just to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,” general manager Rob Pelinka said to open Thursday’s news conference.
“Clearly, new team, new players, and that’s what we’re going to talk about today, but we just as an organization are so grateful for the run that we had with him here. The Lakers have become, as they should, a perennial playoff team.
“It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it. I just think it’s important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter.”
This summer, James informed the Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season and would enter free agency. The 41-year-old’s decision kicked off the saga of the summer as NBA teams attempted to snag James.
The veteran ultimately joined the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal.
Meanwhile, the Lakers completely revamped the roster headlined by the signing of center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal. Pelinka and coach JJ Redick spoke to the media for the first time Thursday about the roster overhaul.
It’s a new era in Los Angeles as Luka Doncic shoulders the Lakers as captain and leader.
