Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held the team’s end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, addressing the future of the franchise following their second-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pelinka made it clear that if LeBron James decides to return for a 24th NBA season, the Lakers are eager to have him back. “There are very few players who have respected and defended the game the way LeBron has,” Pelinka said. “He has given so much to his teammates and this organization. Our greatest desire is to honor that commitment and keep him here.”
James, who turned 41 this season and remains an All-Star, was eliminated after a 110-115 loss in Game 4. He stated postgame that he would take time in the coming weeks to decide whether to continue playing or retire. “The first priority is to give him all the time he needs to make his decision,” Pelinka noted. “Whether he plays another season is something he’ll discuss with his family and close circle. We just need to respect that process.”
James joined the Lakers in 2018 and has now spent eight seasons with the team, the longest continuous stint of his career with any franchise (Cleveland, Miami, Los Angeles). “Any team, including ours, would want LeBron James on its roster. Having him is a privilege,” Pelinka added.
Alongside James, guard Austin Reaves is also set to become a free agent this summer. Reaves, who went undrafted and joined the Lakers in 2021, has developed into a reliable scorer and playmaker, averaging career highs of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. “His career started here, and he has made it clear he wants to continue wearing the Lakers jersey,” Pelinka said. “We are completely aligned. Both sides want to reach a new deal and keep him on this path for the long haul.”
Pelinka characterized the trio of James, Reaves, and Luka Dončić as three floor generals, noting that it is both a strength and a challenge for Redick to maximize their combined potential. “Having three players who can initiate offense on the floor at the same time—Redick will need to find the right balance.”
Redick, seated beside Pelinka, voiced support for retaining James and Reaves. “We want this core group to come back intact. All three have grown immensely this season. There has been a lot of talk about Dončić’s conditioning and discipline—he was in excellent shape throughout the year, maintained his form after a six-week injury, and matured as a leader.”
Pelinka also said the Lakers will consult Dončić on roster decisions. “He’s a great partner. Fans see his high basketball IQ on the court, but Redick and I also see his deep understanding of opposing players, strategies, and ideal teammates. His basketball knowledge is profound, and collaborating with him is invaluable.”
The Lakers finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, fourth in the Western Conference. However, their defensive rating ranked 20th in the league during the regular season and 12th among 16 playoff teams. Redick outlined two primary offseason goals: improving bench depth and upgrading defensive performance.
Besides James and Reaves, the Lakers also face free agency decisions on Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes. Another priority for Pelinka is upgrading the team’s training facility at UCLA Health Training Center, backed by new ownership led by Dodgers chairman Mark Walter. “We are working with the Dodgers’ group to bring in a biomechanics lab, a motor performance lab, and a recovery lab. These facilities are expensive and require expert planning. Construction will begin this offseason, along with renovations to the arena and related amenities. This is a comprehensive upgrade to elevate our existing success.”
Pelinka also announced plans to expand the front office by hiring two assistant general managers: one focused on player evaluation and scouting (including professional scouting, draft assessment, and player development), and another focused on strategic operations (salary cap management, analytics, and data strategy). “Our current team is excellent and dedicated, but we want to add more resources. Both positions are in the interview process but have not yet been finalized.”