Amid swirling questions about the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason direction and LeBron James’ future, coach JJ Redick provided a rare glimpse into the superstar’s mindset. Redick revealed he had two private, in-person meetings with the 40-year-old superstar, and said the discussions convinced him that James remains fully committed, even as the franchise increasingly pivots around Luka Dončić.
“I talked to LeBron fairly frequently and had two great in-person meetings with him,” Redick said Thursday after the Lakers announced his contract extension. “One was when he finally made it out to the Hamptons, and we had dinner in Sag Harbor around free agency. I was also able to spend some time with him here in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago. I came away from that thinking he’s in a great spot mentally and I know he’s going to give us his absolute best.”
The Dawn of the Luka Era
Even with James’ commitment intact, the Lakers’ offseason sent a clear signal: the team has ushered in the Luka era. Following the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit without James, a private meeting involving Dončić, his business manager Lara Beth Seager, Pelinka and Redick went viral, capturing the attention of fans and insiders alike.
@chrisdoesstuff28 (Via LakersAllDayEveryDay and Via Hollywood famous) Luka, JJ, and Rob were seen leaving dinner together last night in LA… Looks like they were discussing some sort of business(Via LakersAllDayEveryDay and Via Hollywood famous) Luka, JJ, #and #Rob #were #seen #leaving #dinner #together #last #night #in LA… #Looks #like #they #were #discussing #some #sort #of #business#fyp #foryoupage
Reports indicate Dončić, which he later confirmed, played a pivotal role in recruiting key additions, including former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. For the first time in James’ career, he is no longer the undisputed centerpiece of the franchise.
Pelinka: Building Around Both Stars
Lakers president Rob Pelinka emphasized that the front office deliberately built a roster around both stars. After James picked up his $52.6 million player option and revealed his intentions via his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, Pelinka acted to ensure the Lakers remained competitive.
“Once LeBron opted in, we made sure that they had the necessary pieces around them to be on a really competitive, strong team,” Pelinka said. “We built into that, and for the future, obviously, first things first would be for him to make the decisions he wants in terms of how long he wants to play. We’re going to continue to honor and respect that.”
Pelinka added that the team would have extended James if he had asked, but Paul told ESPN they never requested one or a trade. Working within limited cap room, the Lakers added Smart, Ayton and 3-and-D wing Jake LaRavia for a combined $19 million—without giving up their lone draft capital (2031 or 2032 first-round picks).
“This summer, we were very intentional in terms of the pieces we added with Luka and LeBron. We have a process. We were methodical in what we wanted to accomplish in the offseason. Now, we’re about to dive into the process of having this team come together … the process of making this team great,” Pelinka said.
LeBron Steps Back, Luka Steps Up
Notably, James did not play an active role in player recruitment this offseason, leaving that responsibility to Dončić. While the Lakers pivot toward Dončić as the roster’s focal point, James’ leadership remains central to the team’s culture and on-court potential.
The first public glimpse of James’ perspective on the reshaped roster and his future will come Monday during Lakers media day. Until then, the storyline is clear: the Lakers are entering a new era built around Dončić, yet LeBron remains mentally and professionally invested, ready to help the team contend even without a contract beyond this season.
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