Originally published by LakersNation.com
At the outset of this offseason, both Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick made it very clear they wanted LeBron James to remain with the franchise.
Pelinka even expressed his desire for James to retire with the Lakers.
But that possibility was quickly eliminated as prior to the start of free agency, James informed the Lakers he planned to continue his career elsewhere. James went on to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of winning a championship.
“I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,” said Pelinka as he began a press conference on Thursday. “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.
“The Lakers have become — as they should — a perennial playoff team; won a championship, went to the Western Conference Finals. It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it. I think it’s important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter.”
Regardless of the reported dissension between James and the Lakers franchise, there is no denying the profound impact he had on the organization from the moment he joined in 2018. James spent eight years with the Lakers and brought the back from its lowest point ever, to a champion once again.
Now, the focus for both is on the Lakers in the post-James era led by superstar guard Luka Doncic. James brought the organization back into relevancy and even though he has moved on, he still remains a major piece of the Lakers’ history and one day his jersey will be hanging in the rafters.
LeBron James pays respects to Lawrence Tanter
The Lakers lost an important piece of their family as legendary PA announcer Lawrence Tanter passed away at the age of 76. And even though he isn’t a member of the Lakers anymore, James took to social media to deliver a heartfelt message in honor of the longtime voice of the franchise.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
At the outset of this offseason, both Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick made it very clear they wanted LeBron James to remain with the franchise.
Pelinka even expressed his desire for James to retire with the Lakers.
But that possibility was quickly eliminated as prior to the start of free agency, James informed the Lakers he planned to continue his career elsewhere. James went on to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers in hopes of winning a championship.
“I thought it would be appropriate at the front to express gratitude for the LeBron era here,” said Pelinka as he began a press conference on Thursday. “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.
“The Lakers have become — as they should — a perennial playoff team; won a championship, went to the Western Conference Finals. It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it. I think it’s important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter.”
Regardless of the reported dissension between James and the Lakers franchise, there is no denying the profound impact he had on the organization from the moment he joined in 2018. James spent eight years with the Lakers and brought the back from its lowest point ever, to a champion once again.
Now, the focus for both is on the Lakers in the post-James era led by superstar guard Luka Doncic. James brought the organization back into relevancy and even though he has moved on, he still remains a major piece of the Lakers’ history and one day his jersey will be hanging in the rafters.
LeBron James pays respects to Lawrence Tanter
The Lakers lost an important piece of their family as legendary PA announcer Lawrence Tanter passed away at the age of 76. And even though he isn’t a member of the Lakers anymore, James took to social media to deliver a heartfelt message in honor of the longtime voice of the franchise.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
