The Lakers are not interested in turning LeBron James’ move to Philadelphia into a drama story.
That was the message from the organization this week as Rob Pelinka and JJ Redick spoke to reporters, with Pelinka opening the session by making sure James was acknowledged right away. The tone was appreciation, not resentment.
"I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here," Pelinka said, according to ESPN. "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."
It was the kind of response that shut the door on any rivalry angle before it could even get rolling. James’ departure still landed as a surprise after the 2025-2026 NBA season, especially after rumors tried to frame it as a tense exit tied to a possible pay cut with the Lakers. But his new deal with the Philadelphia 76ers is a minimum contract, and that alone makes clear money was not the driver.
There has been no public sign of bad blood between James and the Lakers, even with the late-career twist of him changing teams again. The franchise’s reaction has matched that reality: respectful, measured, and grateful for what he brought during his eight seasons in Los Angeles, including another title for the organization.
James has not yet publicly explained the Philadelphia decision itself, but that should change on Friday. He is set to release a new episode of Mind The Game with Steve Nash, and the teaser indicates the “final decision” will be part of the conversation.
His new chapter begins a few weeks later when the 76ers open the 2026-2027 NBA season against the New York Knicks. The next real reunion with the Lakers comes on Christmas Day, when Philadelphia visits Los Angeles. That game figures to draw attention, but not necessarily the kind of hostility that usually comes with holiday showcase matchups.
James leaves the Lakers after 479 games with the team, having averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists.
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