"After shocking the NBA by trading for Luka Doncic, Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka compared piecing together a roster midseason to "trying to build an airplane in the sky." This year, the Lakers get their full runway. Retooled and locked in from what Pelinka called an "intentional and productive offseason," the Lakers officially begin training camp Tuesday in El Segundo as Doncic starts his first full season in L.A."
"For the first time in his storied career, James is playing in the final year of a contract. He exercised a $52.6-million player option in June to pave the way for a record-setting 23rd NBA season. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, is 50 games away from Hall of Famer Robert Parish's record for most regular-season games played. He already achieved his previously stated goal of playing with his son Bronny."
"More championships are all James has left to chase in his career. While the Lakers attempt to launch the 26-year-old Doncic's reign, James' title aspirations still remain at the forefront for the franchise. "We've been very intentional this summer in terms of the pieces we add with Luka and LeBron, once LeBron opted in," Pelinka said last Thursday at a news conference alongside head coach JJ Redick, "making sure that they had the necessary pieces around them to be on a really competitive, strong team.""
The Lakers completed a transformative offseason centered on Luka Doncic joining the franchise and now begin training camp with a settled roster. Rob Pelinka contrasted midseason roster construction to "trying to build an airplane in the sky," but said this offseason was "intentional and productive," providing a full runway for the team. LeBron James is in the final year of his contract after exercising a $52.6-million option for a record 23rd season and remains focused on chasing more championships. Pelinka emphasized building complementary pieces around Doncic and LeBron and expressed respect for James to choose his own future while hoping he retires a Laker.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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