Lakers GM Rob Pelinka says “would be fantastic” if Lebron James retired with the team
However, the president of the Lakers of the Basketball operations Rob Pelinka said that “would be fantastic” if James retired like Laker. He made the observation during Saturday’s press conference to announce the extension of the three -year contract and $ 165 million for Luka Dončić.
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“All the interactions we had with Lebron and his field, in particular the rich Paul, were very positive and supported,” said Pelinka when he was asked if he expected to finish his career with the Lakers. “Very professional and rich was fantastic. The dialogue with him was open and constant.
“In terms of Lebron’s career, I think the thing n. 1 that we must do is respect that he and the decision of his family in terms of how long he will play. I think he is first of all. We want to respect his ability to elaborate his calendar and this is really important. If he had the opportunity to retire like Laker, it would be fantastic.”
James’ future with Lakers became a question after taking his 2025-26 option. Paul released a statement to Espn who seemed to consider the team, saying: “Lebron wants to compete for a championship” and “enhances a realistic possibility of winning everything”.
“We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future,” said Paul. “We want to evaluate what is best for Lebron at this stage of his life and career. He wants to do every season that has left the count, and the Lakers understand him, are supported and want what is best for him.”
The possibility that James leaves the Lakers as a free agent has fueled the speculations that a trade could be at stake if the team does not look out for a championship this season, despite James has a no-trade clause. The insiders circled the Dallas Maverks as a possible destination, although the previous relationships indicated that Dallas would be interested in adding James only if he had been purchased by his 2025-26 contract.
Yet perhaps that position could change in the middle of the season if the Mavs felt they were in hunting the championship. This scenario can also be applied to the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks and even the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What has been made even clearer by the Lakers who sign Dončić to an extension is that the team intends to build around him from this point onwards. If this means that James’ possibilities to pursue a fifth NBA championship – and playing other seasons – are better elsewhere, may not end his career with the Lakers. And Pelinka’s observations have done nothing to dissipate this notion.