The Los Angeles Lakers spent the first 14 games of the season without LeBron James. Instead of collapsing, they surged to a 10–4 record, giving the franchise an unexpected preview of what life might look like after the 40-year-old superstar eventually walks away. Team president Rob Pelinka believes that the early stretch may have revealed a blueprint for the future.
Speaking with Spectrum Sportsnet before Tuesday’s win over the Clippers, Pelinka said the organization’s plan to get younger and deeper has already paid dividends.
“We talked a lot about how we wanted to get younger with the roster and then more depth,” Pelinka said. “If you look around the league at the successful teams, they’re young. Everyone’s playing fast, everyone’s playing physical. When we went out and added Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia and brought in Marcus Smart, we really felt like that would fill out our depth, and to see that happening in real time… proof of concept has been encouraging.”
Ayton, LaRavia and Smart Deliver the ‘Proof of Concept’
The offseason additions have already shaped the team’s identity.
Ayton has anchored the interior with efficient scoring, a strong pick-and-roll connection with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and dependable rim protection. Before he went down with a minor knee injury, Ayton averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting nearly 70% from the field.
LaRavia has provided instant scoring off the bench, including a pair of 20-point performances in key wins over Minnesota and Miami. Smart has delivered elite defensive versatility and a strong plus-minus impact, quickly becoming a stabilizing force during the first month of the season.
Pelinka believes this development may not have happened without James’ extended absence at the start of the year.
“We had games without Luka and LeBron, and for guys like Jake and Austin Reaves to step up, it kind of created a vibe and energy around our team,” Pelinka said. “Some guys you didn’t think would have confidence early in the season emerged and got that.”
LeBron Returns and Responds to Fit Question: ‘I Can Fit With Anybody’
James’ return did not disrupt that chemistry. Instead, he slid seamlessly into the faster, deeper roster that emerged without him. In his first three games back, he averaged 17.7 points, 8.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds. When questioned about whether he fits this new version of the Lakers, James bristled at the implication.
“I can fit in with anybody,” James said. “I don’t even understand why that was even a question.”
Is This LeBron’s Final Season? Retirement Talks Intensify
James opened the year sidelined by right-side sciatica, which intensified speculation that this could be his final NBA season. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that the four-time MVP remains undecided about retirement, but suggested that if he chooses to walk away this summer, he may opt to play every game the rest of the way as a farewell tour.
“If James believes this could be his last season… he might feel even more responsibility to suit up for every game on what would then be a retirement tour,” McMenamin wrote.
Pelinka made clear he wants that final chapter — whether this year or years away — to be written in Los Angeles.
“We would love it if LeBron’s story would be to retire as a Laker,” Pelinka said in September. “That’d be a positive story.”
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