Rob Pelinka: “The split with LeBron James was done amicably”

LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and sign with the Philadelphia 76ers was handled in an amicable and professional manner, according to Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka addressed James’ departure Thursday during the Lakers’ season-opening news conference alongside head coach JJ Redick.

“We’re still grateful for the LeBron era”

Pelinka opened by acknowledging James’ contribution to the Lakers during his time in Los Angeles.

“I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here. 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.”

The comments came exactly two months after James agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with Philadelphia and marked Pelinka’s first public comments on the split.

James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed the Lakers roughly eight hours before free agency officially opened on June 30 that his client would seek a new team.

“It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully”

The decision represented a reversal from James’ comments in February 2024, when he publicly expressed his desire to remain in Los Angeles. Pelinka had also publicly pushed in May to bring James back following the Lakers’ second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Asked about the change, Pelinka pointed to the tone of his conversations with James throughout the offseason.

“I think the communications with him this offseason were held diplomatically, professionally and honestly. I’m so thankful for the partnership that we had that continued up until this summer when a decision was made for him to play for another team.”

“It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully.”

Redick looks ahead: “The pieces actually fit together”

JJ Redick, who was James’ podcast co-host on Mind the Game before taking over as Lakers head coach, did not directly address James’ departure.

Instead, Redick praised the current roster and its construction.

“I think with this group, probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like the pieces actually fit together.”

James has made limited public comments since announcing Philadelphia as his next and final NBA destination. A new episode of Mind the Game addressing the move is scheduled to be released Friday.

James is also expected to speak with reporters for the first time since his decision at the 76ers’ media day Monday in Camden, New Jersey.