LeBron James finally ended the Lakers’ wait Friday, and Los Angeles can now finish reshaping the roster around Luka Dončić.
James, 41, will sign a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after eight seasons with the Lakers, and the switch also ended the holding pattern for Golden State, Miami, Cleveland and Minnesota while Los Angeles sits on roughly $51 million to $52 million in cap space.
James said on social media Friday that it was his last decision, after weeks of reflection that even included retirement talk.
James wrote, “This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?”
Austin Reaves found out about the departure on a golf course in Stateline, Nevada, while he was at an event hosted by D’Angelo Russell.
“I was having a great day on the golf course ’til you ruined it.”
Rob Pelinka also used the offseason reset to talk about changing the Lakers’ front office and infrastructure.
“It’s a full rebuild and retool.”
That gives the Lakers a real chance to chase the one spot league chatter keeps treating as the priority.
“first and foremost desire is an A-list center.”
The names floating around include Jalen Duren, Walker Kessler, Mitchell Robinson, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Dean Wade, Kelly Oubre Jr., De’Anthony Melton and Ziaire Williams.
Reaves said of the new pieces, “They’re good.” and “I hate to see guys like that go.”
Los Angeles can also keep building on the wing if the center market stalls, because there are still paths to smaller upgrades around Dončić and Reaves.
“My heart was in L.A. the whole time.”
That still leaves the Lakers room to make noise on the margins while the biggest prize is gone.
In the viral moment, James posted to X and Instagram after the free-agency suspense had dragged into late July.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team,” James wrote.
The Instagram clip used Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares” and ended on the 76ers logo.
The Lakers can keep shopping for rim protection and switchable help if the splashier names dry up.
“It’s just we want to add more to that.”
The Lakers’ preseason opener is Oct. 5.