Lakers pivot to Luka Dončić after LeBron’s exit

After LeBron James leaves the Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers, the franchise thanks him for his eight‑year tenure and announces a new focus on Luka Dončić. Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick detail the offseason strategy, including re‑signing Austin Reaves, acquiring Walker Kessler, and adding depth…

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:33:16 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers officially entered a new chapter this offseason, following the departure of LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers. In a press conference held on Thursday at the team’s training facility in El Segundo, Lakers president of operations Rob Pelinka opened by expressing gratitude for the eight‑year era that James brought to the franchise.

LeBron’s Legacy and the Transition

Pelinka noted that James had informed the Lakers on June 30 that he would sign elsewhere, a decision that prompted the organization to pivot its focus. James, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2026, had been the franchise’s most prominent player for nearly a decade. The transition was described by Pelinka as "amicable" and "respectful," underscoring that there was no ill‑will between the player and the organization.

"We’re grateful for the run that we had with him here," Pelinka said. "The Lakers have become a perennial playoff team, won a championship, went to the Western Conference finals. It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it." The Lakers’ front office emphasized that the organization’s day‑to‑day operations remain unchanged, even as the team’s leadership structure shifts.

Building Around Luka Dončić

With James gone, Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick outlined a three‑pronged strategy to build a roster around Luka Dončić, who has emerged as the team’s clear franchise cornerstone. The plan centers on retaining key contributors, acquiring a reliable center to support Dončić’s playmaking, and adding depth with a mix of young talent.

Re‑sign Austin Reaves: The Lakers secured Reaves to a four‑year, $180 million contract— the largest ever for an undrafted player in NBA history.
Acquire Walker Kessler: In a sign‑and‑trade with the Utah Jazz, the Lakers received Kessler, sending two unprotected first‑round picks and two pick swaps. Kessler was signed to a four‑year, $130 million deal, providing a solid rim‑protector for Dončić.
Add depth: The roster was bolstered with players such as Quentin Grimes, Jaden Hardy, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney. These additions aim to create a younger, more dynamic lineup that can complement Dončić’s skill set.

Pelinka highlighted that the average age of the roster now sits around 26–27, aligning with the team’s long‑term vision of building around Dončić. Redick echoed this sentiment, noting that the new core offers “a lot of minutes” and “starting spots” during training camp, setting the stage for a competitive 2026‑27 season.

Ownership and Future Outlook

The Lakers’ ownership group has also seen a change, with Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner poised to purchase the franchise for a record $12.5 billion from Mark Walter, the former owner of the Dodgers and a Guggenheim Partners partner. While the deal has not yet closed, Pelinka stated that preliminary discussions with the new owners have been positive and that day‑to‑day operations will continue as usual.

Looking ahead, the Lakers’ first game of the 2026‑27 season is scheduled for October 21 against the Golden State Warriors. The focus will be on how Dončić, Reaves, and the supporting cast perform, with the team’s depth and young talent expected to play a pivotal role in determining the franchise’s ceiling.

What’s Next for the Lakers?

As the Lakers head into training camp, the organization will continue to refine its roster, evaluate player fit, and prepare for the upcoming season. The departure of a generational talent like LeBron James marks a significant shift, but the Lakers are positioning themselves for sustained competitiveness with a clear plan centered on Luka Dončić.

Key facts

LeBron James departs for the 76ers after eight seasons with the Lakers
Lakers pivot to Luka Dončić as franchise cornerstone
Re‑signing of Austin Reaves and acquisition of Walker Kessler
New ownership group led by Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner
Season opener scheduled for Oct 21 against the Warriors

Why it matters

The Lakers’ transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new strategic direction centered on Luka Dončić, shaping the franchise’s future competitiveness.