No matter what happened or what was said, LeBron James’ return to California to face the Los Angeles Lakers this season will draw massive attention. After spending the last eight seasons playing for the Lakers—and bringing another title to the organization—James means a lot to the organization.
His decision to leave came as a bit of a shock at the end of the 2025–2026 NBA season, and rumors attempted to play the situation up as a potential drama-filled exit since LeBron would’ve had to take a pay cut for the Lakers. Clearly, money wasn’t the issue for LeBron, as he recently signed a minimum deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although James’ change of course this late in his career was an odd look, there clearly doesn’t seem to be bad blood between the ex-Laker and the organization. As the front office executive Rob Pelinka and the head coach JJ Redick addressed reporters this week, the former opened up the presser by addressing James right away.
A positive message for LeBron James
"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."
Pelinka knew the LeBron comments were coming, so he made sure to take care of that narrative right away. Not that anybody expected anything but positive comments regarding LeBron, but Pelinka just once again proved that the Lakers hold nothing but gratitude and love for their now-former superstar forward.
Soon, the basketball world will hear LeBron’s side of everything officially. While James has spoken publicly since parting ways with the Lakers, he hasn’t addressed the decision to join the 76ers. That will change on Friday, as LeBron intends to drop a new episode of Mind The Game with Steve Nash. The teaser makes it clear that the “final decision” will be addressed.
The fresh start will happen in just a few weeks, when the Sixers open up the 2026-2027 NBA season against the New York Knicks. However, James won’t get his full closure with the Lakers until he pays them a visit on Christmas Day. The holiday slate is typically utilized to fuel heated matchups. On that day, it will likely have a different vibe, as the homecoming for LeBron should be positive.
James exits the Lakers with 479 games played. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists during his time with the team.
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