Lakers close LeBron chapter, embrace Luka-centered reset

The LeBron James era ended without a public fight. The Luka Doncic era has begun with an almost entirely different roster.

Lakers president Rob Pelinka addressed both developments Thursday, expressing gratitude for James’ eight seasons in Los Angeles while declaring the organization’s offseason overhaul a success.

“It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully,” Pelinka said of James’ departure, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “We looked at the whole thing with gratitude, because it’s been an incredible era for us here.”

James signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers after helping the Lakers win a championship and reach another Western Conference finals. Pelinka said communication between the sides remained “diplomatic, professional and honest” throughout the process.

James has yet to publicly explain why he chose Philadelphia. That should change soon. He is expected to discuss the decision on Friday’s episode of “Mind the Game” before speaking to reporters at Sixers media day Monday.

The Lakers, meanwhile, did not attempt to replace LeBron with another LeBron. There isn’t one. Instead, they reset the roster around the 27-year-old Doncic.

Pelinka said Los Angeles entered the offseason with three priorities: Re-sign Austin Reaves, acquire a franchise center and surround Doncic with younger players who can dribble, pass and shoot. The Lakers accomplished all three.

Reaves returned on a four-year, $184.7 million contract. Los Angeles then acquired Walker Kessler from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade, sending out two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps while giving the center a four-year, $130 million deal.

“Twenty-five-year-old two-way centers that are retrofitted perfectly for our two max guys in Luka and Austin don’t exist,” Pelinka said, via Ben Golliver of ESPN. “When the opportunity comes and you have a superstar like Luka in your building, you have to seize it.”

The price was significant. The Lakers no longer fully control one of their first-round picks until 2032. Pelinka insisted Kessler’s fit and positional scarcity justified the investment.

They also signed Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, while Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes departed along with James.

The new roster is dramatically younger. Kevon Looney is the only player on it who is at least 30.

Coach JJ Redick said two starting positions remain open, but he already likes the construction.

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

That is the wager the Lakers have made. The previous era produced a championship. The next one will depend on whether Doncic, Reaves and Kessler can justify the money and draft capital Los Angeles committed to building around them.