Rob Pelinka claims LeBron James' exit from the Lakers was 'conducted in a friendly manner'

Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said Thursday that LeBron James' decision to leave the franchise was "made amicably".

The announcement came exactly two months after LeBron signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

From the desire to stay at despedida

The turnaround started well before the transfer window. In February 2024, LeBron had publicly stated that he wanted to stay in Los Angeles. Already in May of this year, after eliminating both Lakers in the second round two playoffs for or Oklahoma City Thunder, it was Pelinka's turn to make a public effort to keep his 23 no-time jersey.

On June 30, about eight hours before the official opening of the book deal, Rich Paul, LeBron's agent at Klutch Sports, informed the Lakers that his client would be looking for a new club.

O develop: "diplomatic and honest" negotiations

Asked about the change in attitude towards his own previous comments, Pelinka highlighted the climate of talks between parties on this issue.

"I think that the communication with this player was diplomatic, professional and honest", said the manager. "I am very grateful for our partnership which continued until this summer when he decided to play at another time.

Pelinka also opened a coletiva resgatando a passagem de LeBron pela franquia: "I thought it appropriate to begin by expressing gratitude for the fact that LeBon was here. Claramente temos um novo time e novos jogadores, e é disso que vamos falar hoje. But as an organization ainda somos gratos pela caminhada que tivemos com ele".

The latest developments: new cast and next steps of LeBron

Coach JJ Redick, who shared a podcast with LeBron before he took over the Lakers' front office, did not directly comment on his departure but praised the current lineup: "I think this is probably the first time in my three years here that I feel like these pieces really fit together".

On the 76ers' side, LeBron has made limited public statements since announcing Philadelphia as his next and final NBA destination.

It 's all over now .

LeBron's exit is officially locked in institutional aspect: with Pelinka's speech, the Lakers have moved on and turned to JJ Redick's team.

♪ I've been waiting for you ♪