Lakers Media Day Feels 'Weird' in Wake of LeBron James' Departure
The Lakers navigate their first media day without LeBron James, as Luka Doncic and new coach JJ Redick look to the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers' media day had a distinctly different feel this year, marked by the absence of their long-standing megastar, LeBron James.
James, who spent eight seasons with the Lakers, has moved to the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that marks the first time a superstar has chosen to leave the franchise. This unprecedented departure has created a sense of strangeness for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
"It feels great," said Luka Doncic, now considered one of the Lakers' primary stars, when asked about the team being his. "I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me."
Lakers coach JJ Redick, who took over in June 2024, stated that this season's roster feels like the first time in three years that the "pieces fit." The team has undergone significant changes, with nine new players joining the roster.
Among the changes is the acquisition of Walker Kessler from Utah, a move that cost the Lakers two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps. The team is also optimistic about Doncic's health after he recovered from a strained hamstring that sidelined him for the playoffs.
James' departure, while a significant shift, is not entirely unexpected. He signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the 76ers in July. However, seeing the team without him at media day made his absence palpable.
Despite the undeniable change, there is an air of optimism. Austin Reaves is stepping up as a leader, and many of the new players are eager to contribute to a franchise with a storied history of 17 NBA championships. Bronny James, LeBron's son, acknowledged his father's move, stating, "He’s got his own path and I got my own."
General manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka referred to James' tenure as a "great era" for the Lakers, but the franchise is now focused on a new period of transition, especially following their second ownership change in 14 months. The team is looking to move forward, with the focus squarely on the current roster and the season ahead.