{
  "id": 9644207,
  "title": "LeBron James is gone, but Lakers GM Pelinka and coach Redick are excited about the future",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/lebron-james-is-gone-but-lakers-gm-pelinka-and-coach-redick-are",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T22:46:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lebron-james-gone-lakers-gm-224650908.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick addressed the media on Thursday, discussing the team's future following LeBron James' departure. While expressing gratitude for James' eight-year tenure and the championship they won together, Pelinka emphasized the team's optimism about the upcoming season. The Lakers have made significant moves, acquiring center Walker Kessler from Utah in a four-year, $130 million deal. Redick highlighted Kessler's defensive skills and how he aligns with the team's strategy. The coaching staff aims to bolster the bench and introduce more variety to the roster, including players like Collin Sexton, Quinton Grimes, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle, and rookie Cameron Carr. Pelinka also noted he has added over 15 key personnel to the front office, focusing on scouting and development to create a more cohesive team for the future.",
  "summary": "LeBron James has left the building, and that's not the only big change facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season. James' departure was still on general manager Rob Pelinka's mind when he held his start-of-the-season news conference with coach JJ Redick on Thursday. The general manager also exuded optimism about his first discussions with the Lakers' latest new owners, praised the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick optimistic about future",
    "Lakers acquire center Walker Kessler in $130M, 4-year deal",
    "Front office adds 15 key personnel for roster development"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/9644207.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "LeBron James is gone, but Lakers GM Pelinka and coach Redick are excited about the future",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/lebron-james-is-gone-but-lakers-gm-pelinka-and-coach-redick-are-9644345",
        "published": "2026-09-24T22:47:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Newsweek",
        "title": "Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Makes Thoughts Clear on LeBron James Leaving for 76ers",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/lakers-gm-rob-pelinka-makes-thoughts-clear-on-lebron-james-leaving",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:53:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "JJ Redick says final 2 Lakers starters 'will not be white guys'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/jj-redick-says-final-2-lakers-starters-will-not-be-white-guys",
        "published": "2026-09-25T00:42:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}